Ready to Learn: A Concept Analysis for the Intersection of Health and Education

Abstract

Since the inception of the National Education Goals in 1989, the United States has enacted policies focused on student readiness to learn, but there is no single or clear definition of ready to learn. Education quality and access are social determinants of health. However, students do not learn well if they are not healthy. This concept analysis explores the connection between health and education across multiple domains. Utilizing the Walker-Avant method, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and the Journal of School Nursing were searched for literature related to ready to learn. Definitions were synthesized from the literature, resulting in a concept of ready to learn encompassing health and thriving at individual, family, school, and community levels. Ready to learn is the result of multiple domains working synergistically to support health and thriving across the lifespan. School health practice improves with a robust understanding of this ready to learn model.