Despite the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions among youth in schools, teachers report little exposure to specific coursework focusing on how to best support students with these conditions in the classroom. This study examined how teacher preparation programs prepare educators to meet the needs of this growing student population;…

Advances in medicine and medical technologies over the past several decades have extended the lives of many individuals who have chronic illnesses that were once considered terminal. Likewise, these advances have enabled more students to participate in school than ever before. As such, their short-term and long-term academic outcomes must be…

Due to medical advances, many students with acute chronic illnesses, like pediatric cancer, are able to attend school. The professional literature reflects the need for reform of educational strategies for children facing cancer treatment and who will be absent for extended periods of time. In order to promote successful educational services and…

The educational implications of chronic illnesses which involve incontinence are not well represented in the literature. The experiences of an adolescent with multiple complex illnesses, including incontinence, were explored via an intrinsic case study. Data were gathered from the adolescent, her mother, and teachers through interviews, email…

In order to foster effective transitions to adulthood, it is necessary for youths with chronic healthcare conditions to have access to training and support. When the condition is one that is rare and potentially stigmatizing such as incontinence, these opportunities can be difficult to find locally. Camps and special weekends have been used to…

Novel treatments are improving the prognosis for many illnesses, making it possible to survive diseases that were once considered fatal. With these advancements comes great responsibility to ensure quality of life for those living with chronic illness. Educators are among the group of professionals accountable for ensuring quality of life…

School gives purpose to a student's life. Today, students with cancer and cancer survivors are encouraged to continue their educational experiences to maintain a sense of normalcy. This manuscript discusses the research findings on medical, physical, and cognitive issues that students with cancer and cancer survivors may encounter in their…

This article outlines the development of a new California teacher credential in the area of physical and health impairments. The credential development process, identification of adopted standards, and the guiding principles used by the authors, who served as consultants to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, are described.…

Discusses the usefulness of team collaboration when working with students with chronic health and/or other disabilities and the manner in which rehabilitation psychologists function in this process. Notes the values and roles of rehabilitation psychology and ways rehabilitation psychologists can enhance the education process for these students.…

Procedures developed by Gwinnett County (Georgia) Public Schools to evaluate and serve the increasing number of students with medically complex needs are outlined. A medical review panel convened to address health and safety issues and requests that the school provide unique or specialized health care procedures is described, as is the development…

Congenital heart disease is one of the most common pediatric chronic illnesses that can have an impact on the lives of affected children and their families. Despite the growing number of school-age children who live with congenital heart disease, few researchers have investigated the lives and well-being of these children and their families. The…