As classes resume with rising temperatures, many of the country’s schools are lacking adequate air conditioning, potentially impacting the learning environment.

Personal perspective: One English teacher in Philadelphia experiences extreme heat in his classroom, with temperatures reaching up to 93 degrees.
* The lack of air conditioning in his school exemplifies a national issue, with an estimated 36,000 public schools nationwide operating without sufficient cooling.

The bigger picture: With the rise in temperatures, both the teaching and learning environment are affected which pushes some districts like Philadelphia to start the school year later.
* However, solutions to the lack of air conditioning are not easily attainable due to complex issues including electrical grid capacity and financial constraints.

Infrastructure needs: A 2020 report by the Government Accountability Office indicated that about 41% of districts in the U.S. needed to upgrade or replace their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in at least half of their schools.
* However, financial constraints and unforeseen challenges can often prevent repairs or updates.

Health implications: Students with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, and seizure disorders could face severe complications due to excessive heat.
* Kate King, head of the National Association of School Nurses, also raised concerns about increasing instances of heat-related illnesses.

Impact on learning: Beyond health concerns, academic performance may also be affected by the heat.
* A 2016 Harvard study found that students were more likely to fail an exam on a 90-degree day compared to a 72-degree day.

View original article on NPR

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