Return-to-Learn Accommodations and Concussion Perceptions Among Indiana High School Principals

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Healthcare

Background:

• Concussion care is crucial for all, especially children and adolescents, due to ongoing brain development.
• Postconcussion symptoms frequently disrupt academic performance.
• Inconsistent return-to-learn guidelines complicate policy development for schools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate high school principals' concussion knowledge.
• To identify personnel responsible for implementing accommodations.
• To assess willingness to adopt recommended academic accommodations for concussed students.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 410 Indiana high school principals.
• 157 principals completed the survey; assistant principals were excluded.

Main Results:

• One-third of principals had concussion accommodation training; over 80% felt comfortable managing academic aspects.
• Over 90% were willing to provide accommodations indefinitely, but nearly 40% hesitated with standardized testing.
• Principals underestimated annual concussion incidence, with over 90% estimating fewer than 30 cases, contrary to state data suggesting 30+.

Conclusions:

• Principals' underestimation of concussion frequency indicates a need for enhanced education.
• Improved principal education is vital for ensuring appropriate return-to-learn accommodations for all concussed students.