A Collaborative Strategy With Medical Providers to Improve Training for Teachers of Children With Cancer

Students with Pediatric Cancer: A Prescription for School Success

“…However, the literature did suggest the role of the classroom teacher in the education of a child with cancer cannot be underestimated (Brown et al, 2011;Shiu, 2001;Taras & Potts-Datema, 2005). This being said, the general education teacher is usually not trained to academically address or emotionally handle such a challenging role or to develop an academic plan for a child with cancer (Brown et al, 2011). The American Academy of Pediatrics (2009) calls for school personnel to receive additional education about students with chronic conditions and related health care management (Hopkins & Hughes, 2015).…”

“…Cancer affects a child's physical, psychological, and academic development (Brown, Bolen, Brinkman, Carreiri, & Cole, 2011;Prevatt, Heffer, & Lowe, 2000;Vance & Eiser, 2001). Many pediatric cancer survivors develop cognitive impairments and learning difficulties, have extensive school absences, and experience diminished academic performance, which affects the child's desire to return to school and ability to be successful in school (Brown et al, 2011).…”

“…Students with cancer need support so that they do not fall between the cracks of educational and health systems that are not well connected. It is, therefore, critical that effective, ongoing communication occurs between parents, medical, and school personnel (Brown et al, 2011;Hopkins & Hughes, 2015). Typically, the school nurse, if one exists, is left to handle health issues while the classroom teacher is left to focus on a child's education (Thies, 1999).…”

“…Along with the psychologist, the team may consist of the child with cancer (if the child is comfortable with the idea), parents and family members, school administrators, teachers, other school personnel, and medical personnel (Brown et al, 2011;Prevatt et al, 2000). The team will develop and monitor flexible educational and health care plans for the child (Bessell, 2001;Clay et al, 2004).…”

“…Team members who could not participate in the faceto-face workshop could have the option to receive the same information through self-paced, computer based training modules (Brown et al, 2011).…”