School superintendents' perceptions of schools assisting students in obtaining public health insurance.

Background: Superintendents' perceptions regarding the effect of health insurance status on academics, the role schools should play in the process of obtaining health insurance, and the benefits/barriers to assisting students in enrolling in health insurance were surveyed. Superintendents' basic knowledge of health insurance, the link between health and learning, and specific school system practices for assisting students were also examined.

Methods: A 4-page questionnaire was sent to a national random sample of public school superintendents using a 4-wave postal mailing.

School nurses' perceptions and practices of assisting students in obtaining public health insurance.

Background: From January through June 2009, 6.1 million children were uninsured in the United States. On average, students with health insurance are healthier and as a result are more likely to be academically successful.