A program to help asthmatic students reach their potential.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting 15 percent of Americans under the age of 15. It ranks first among the chronic disease in causing school absenteeism, and it has been linked to lowered academic performance. An educational program for elementary school teachers has been developed to assist the asthmatic student in reaching his or her potential. The program addresses needs expressed by members of the Montgomery, Ala., chapter of Parents of Asthmatic Kids (PAK). These parents voiced concern regarding the inadequate preparation of teachers for dealing with the needs of the asthmatic student. Results of a survey of teachers in local elementary schools confirmed their need for asthma education. The program, consisting of an audiovisual presentation, an informative brochure, and an instructional packet to use with first to sixth graders, is designed to be presented in faculty meetings throughout the school system. To evaluate the effectiveness of the module, a simple test is administered before and after the program. The program has been accepted by the American Lung Association of Alabama and is under consideration by the American Lung Association at the national level.