Educational needs of the terminally ill student

It is the norm for medical professionals to encourage school reentry for the terminally ill student. Their commitment to and belief in the benefits of school involvement are to be commended. It is essential, however, that the hospital staff be directly involved with facilitating school reentry. Research into the needs of chronically and terminally ill students has historically been done by the medical community. Educators lack basic knowledge and the expertise to ensure that the school experience will be successful. It is hoped that the educational community will become more aware and actively seek to guarantee that every child is provided with an appropriate education in future years. For the time being, however, the medical professional must assume the role of coordinator, bringing together the terminally ill child, parents, peers, and educators, and fostering open, ongoing communication between all. The success of these efforts will bring about healthy attitudes toward death and dying; a rich, rewarding experience for all children involved; and ultimately an opportunity for a dying child to live life to its fullest.