The Hygienic Assessment of School Educational Programs

Background: The study presents a methodology for the hygienic assessment of school educational programs from the point of view of safety for the health of students and of effectiveness in improving the quality of education. The aim of the study was a hygienic assessment of educational programs in primary schools. Methods and Results: The study involved primary school students (n=245) aged between 8 and 9.5 years: 120 children studying under the "Planet of knowledge" program (Group 1) and 125 children studying under the "Primary school of the XXI century" program (Group 2). The hygienic factors are studied using the methodology of assessing the intensity of educational work and the conditions of the organization of the educational process. The obtained data are compared with the main criteria of the state of children's neuropsychological development. We found that the program "Primary school of the XXI century" is characterized by the intensity of educational work (2.7 +/- 0.13 points) and approaches to the third degree, according to the criterion of intellectual loads. In contrast, the program "Planet of knowledge" is characterized by a lower intensity of educational work - 2.1 +/- 0.08 points (P=0.000). The indicators of sensory and emotional intensity of educational work under the program "Primary school of the XXI century" were also statistically higher. Conclusions: The high intensity of educational work does not ensure high rates and levels of intellectual development and mental performance of children. The hygienic assessment of children's educational activities should include a comprehensive hygienic examination of the educational program and the means used in the process of its implementation. An educational program may be allowed to be used in educational organizations only after a hygienic examination of its application in the educational process.