K-12 news

My K-12 news is not really about pedagogy, or what happens in the classroom. As a teacher, I think our concern for our students extends beyond the classroom, which is why I think the newest news about the availability of healthier snack choices in American schools, published by the CDC, is important and encouraging.

From 2002-2008, schools in in almost all states included in the study made candy and salty snacks, and soda and sports drinks less available for their students. They also increased the availability of healthy snacks and juice. As the editorial note points out, states with high increases like Mississippi have significant problems high rates of adult obesity. Encouraging smart food choices helps instill values for healthy eating that students take with them after they walk out the school's doors. I also think that it is encouraging that states, like Utah, that did not have increases in nutritional standards in the food they offer students are willing to revise those standards in the future.

A large part of our jobs as educators is not just to instill content knowledge, but to teach students how to think about how their decisions affect themselves and others. By only offering healthy snack and drink options, we send a united message about health and nutrition both inside the classroom and throughout the school. I think if students believe that we believe the messages we tell them about what they should eat for good health, they will be more willing to internalize these messages, and make right choices for themselves.