Faculty Collaboration Database

Fostering equity in education and academic outcomes in children with sickle cell disease. Clin Neuropsychol 2022 Feb;36(2):245-263

Date

07/06/2021

Pubmed ID

34218732

DOI

10.1080/13854046.2021.1945147

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85109795008 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

ObjectiveChildren with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), who are predominantly Black, face academic disparities in part because of the impact of longstanding racially biased education systems. Adverse systemic factors in addition to neurologic complications put children with SCD at risk for poor academic outcomes. Providing caregivers with information on how to select quality schools and advocate for their child's specific educational needs may influence academic outcomes and reduce educational disparities. We aimed to provide information to caregivers of children with SCD on school selection/quality, enrollment, and special education options.MethodsForty-six caregivers of children with SCD between the ages of 2 and 5:11 years participated in a structured informational session. Caregivers' sense of empowerment regarding educational options for their child was assessed via survey before and after the structured informational session.ResultsCaregivers reported feeling more informed and empowered following their participation in an informational session on school selection/quality, enrollment, and special education options for their child than before the informational session.ConclusionsIt is essential that families of children with SCD have the knowledge, skills, and sense of empowerment to access quality schools beginning in early childhood. Future research will determine if this intervention will improve children's access to academic support and academic outcomes. We theorize improvements in academic outcomes along with addressing systemic disparities may ultimately create a positive impact on vocational and quality of life outcomes in the lives of children with SCD.

Author List

Miller M, Landsman R, Scott JP, Heffelfinger AK

Author

Amy Heffelfinger PhD Professor in the Neurology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Anemia, Sickle Cell
Caregivers
Child
Child, Preschool
Educational Status
Humans
Neuropsychological Tests
Quality of Life