ERIC Number: EJ1204092
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Sep
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0164-775X
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Available Date: N/A
Nutrition and Physical Activity as Protective Factors in Eliminating the Achievement Gap
Fedewa, Alicia; Hoffman, Jennifer
Communique, v42 n1 p1, 12, 14-16 Sep 2013
There is much attention placed on closing the achievement gap among socioeconomically disadvantaged students. However, what some may fail to take into account is the impact of poor quality, low-nutrition foods and limited access to physical activity on children's academic outcomes. Disadvantaged youth are at risk for poor nutrition and limited access to physical activity, which may negatively impact their educational outcomes. School psychologists can play a critical role in this area with respect to the implementation of universal interventions, advocacy, and policy changes that will improve the outcomes of these students. This paper will explore the discrepancies that affect disadvantaged youth in the areas of achievement and will highlight the potential of quality nutrition and enhanced physical activity as protective factors in eliminating the achievement gap. Moreover, the implementation of universal interventions, advocacy, and policy will be discussed to demonstrate the feasibility and necessity for targeting these issues for the nation's disadvantaged youth to improve the academic outcomes for those children who need it most.
Descriptors: Achievement Gap, Disadvantaged Youth, At Risk Students, Nutrition, Physical Activity Level, Intervention, Advocacy, Policy, Food, Physical Activities, Child Health, Obesity
National Association of School Psychologists. 4340 East West Highway Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel: 301-657-0270; Fax: 301-657-0275; e-mail: publications@naspweb.org; Web site: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A