Heatwave Forces School Closures

Aug 28, 2024, 1:40 PM

(From Education Week) The school year has once again started with intense heat, forcing early dismissals and closures in many states. Many schools, particularly in the North, lack adequate air conditioning, making learning difficult. Studies show that extreme heat disrupts students’ focus and emotional regulation, leading to poorer academic performance and increased conflict. Short-term solutions include ensuring access to water and using fans. Long-term, schools must invest in updated HVAC systems to better handle extreme temperatures, with at least 41% of schools needing upgrades, according to a 2020 report from the Government Accountability Office.

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