Diet Quality and Academic Performance
October 10, 2014Logan Square Neighborhood Association
October 10, 2014Health and Academic Achievement: Cumulative Effects of Health Assets on Standardized Test Scores Among Urban Youth in the United States
Ickovics, J. R., Carroll-Scott, A., Peters, S. M., Schwartz, M., Gilstad-Hayden, K., & Mccaslin, C. (2014). Health and Academic Achievement: Cumulative Effects of Health Assets on Standardized Test Scores Among Urban Youth in the United States. Journal of School Health,84(1), 40-48.
The Institute of Medicine conducted a study in 2012 that concluded that we must “strengthen schools as the heart of health.” In order to boost academic achievement, it is imperative to also improve overall health. The study included 940 students from twelve schools in urban districts. Various health indicators were measured which include: physical health, health behaviors, family environment, and psychological well-being. The results exhibited that students with more healthy assets were more likely to succeed on standardized tests on reading, writing, and mathematics. Schools that developed nontraditional instructional strategies to increase student health also enhanced academic achievement and closed equity gaps.