Researchers at the University of Melbourne
studied nearly 25,000 elementary school students
across Victoria, Australia, including those
who were affected by the major bushfires there
in 2009.
They compared the standardized test scores
of students who were highly impacted to the
students who suffered low to no impact from
the bushfires.
Social scientists found that the expected
gains from third to fifth grade in reading
and math were reduced in schools that had
higher levels of impact from the bushfires.
The study suggests that students may benefit
from extra academic support in the years following
a natural disaster or a traumatic experience.
Parents should connect with school staff and
community resources to find the best social
and emotional support for their child.
