The Illinois General Assembly recently passed the Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act, which updates school concussion protocols. In accordance with the new law, Downers Grove Grade School District 58 has added additional concussion supports to ensure every student who experiences a concussion has a successful recovery and re-entry to school.
"District 58 is very sensitive to our students' safety, and we believe these new protocols will enhance our existing concussion response procedures," said Assistant Superintendent for Special Services Jessica Stewart.
District 58's updated concussion protocols include the formation of a concussion oversight team, additional concussion staff training, the creation of school-specific concussion emergency action plans and an updated policy.
"We hope very few students will need to use these extra supports, but it's great that we now have an updated system in place to address concussion injuries and rehabilitation," Stewart said.
Forming a concussion oversight team:
This team comprises Stewart and several District 58 principals, PE teachers and nurses. Last year, the team developed detailed return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols for students who experience a concussion. The protocols use research-based best practices with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“For example, we provide many classroom accommodations for students who return to school after having a concussion, including rescheduling assessments and limiting screen time,” Stewart said.
Staff training:
District 58’s concussion oversight teams, physical education teachers, nurses and coaches completed an extensive training with the Illinois Elementary School Association regarding all concussion response protocols.
Concussion emergency actions plans:
Each District 58 school developed an emergency action plan for athletic activities. The plans guide the appropriate response to concussions and other serious injuries that may occur during an athletic activity.
All District 58 coaches will review the District’s concussion policy and emergency action plans with families at the start of the sports season. Parents and student athletes will also be provided with a concussion information sheet and a student pre-participation sheet to sign and submit before starting athletic practice and play.