Fast Food possible effects on academics

It's a slow start to the day on a Saturday morning and I am glancing over the The Ohio University Alumni Association magazine.

One article catches my eye, a nationwide study on the effects of fast food.

I expected to see stats on obesity and how fast food may be contributing negatively to our nation's overall health.

But this article was different, quoting instead the negative effect that eating fast food could have on reading, math and science test scores.

As an educator, I find it extremely interesting to be aware of all of the external factors that affect students' ability to do well academically since we work very hard to foster a professional learning community culture and climate focus on learning.

According to this study, the more frequently students report eating fast food in fifth grade, the lower their growth in reading, math and science test scores by eighth grade.  In fact, students who ate the most fast food had test score gains up to 20 percent lower than those who never ate fast food.

Another starting statistic in the article stating the 10 percent of students in the survey reported eating fast food every day and another 10 percent ate fast food four to six times a week.

Think of the students in our classroom every day and think that at least 20 percent of them eating fast food at least four times a week or more often.

Now think of the possible negative effect on their academics.

The study did not articulate what kind of food is designated fast food or any certain fast food brand, but certainly we can most likely name the fast food restaurants in each of our geographical regions.

In fact, look at some of the fast food breakfasts that our students come into school with every morning, driving through on their way to school.

Although certainly we have all been aware of the negative effects of fast food on overall health, it is interesting to now be aware that fast food may also have a negative effect on academics.