By: Editorial Board
Students constantly receive injuries throughout the school year, and our school is very lenient in allowing students to feel comfortable in the school environment. For those students who receive concussions the school allows extra time for tests and alternate written assignments in gym. Although the school has continually underestimated the effects of concussions on students’ learning ability and performance.
Doctors suggest that following concussions students should rest for a few months, or longer depending on the severity, but it is impossible for students to take that much time off of school. Instead, the school should consider being more lenient and willing to help in the learning environment for students. Students could be allowed more time for homework and project extensions. Due to the constant headaches caused by concussions this extension of time allows students an opportunity for a break thus allowing a greater understanding. Students could also be allowed to take tests under non testing conditions or at a later date in order to eliminate the stress and allow a greater amount of time to study and understand the topics without straining themselves.
While the current school policy is very effective and efficient in that they take immediate action after a student receives an injury. But it is not only the policy but the attitude towards concussions. There are certain times students have complained that teachers do not understand the severity of their injuries or your ability. This not only pertains to academics but outside activities and volunteering as well that students with injuries are unable to participate in due to the need for rest. Teachers should be more lenient in allowing the students an extension for such activities in situations such as government hours. And this isn’t a problem with the teachers here at East, but policies across America. Our school system has begun to hold education above everything else even students’ health. And students have began to feel this effect as well, and they don’t understand how big of an issue concussions truly are. Even during gym students put themselves at risk by not obeying the rules. For example, many students have begun to tackle others during touch football which could lead to potential injuries. If there was more discussion about concussions, not only across America but to the students here at East, there may be more awareness to the severity of the issue thus allowing change.
More precautions can be taken by sports teams as well especially for students who have had concussions in the past. A major problem is the lack of caution taken with students during games. For example, in professional teams if a player receives even a slight injury they are taken out of the game, but our school’s teams do not do that. Students should be treated as professionals are if that is what they are training to do. There should also be more frequent concussions testing in order to ensure every student’s safety.
Overall, while the school has a strict policy concerning concussions, there are still many changes that need to be implemented. Not only should students be more informed but teachers should be more lenient when concerning school work and outside activity in order to ensure accurate recovery for students.
