Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) TExES Practice Exam

What is a common trend regarding nutritional deficiencies among students?

1. More common among girls than boys

2. Common, but unimportant to health

3. Rarely encountered

4. Common mostly among the economically under-privileged students

The correct answer is: More common among girls than boys

The notion that nutritional deficiencies are commonly seen among economically underprivileged students is rooted in several factors related to socioeconomic status and access to resources. Students from lower-income backgrounds often face barriers to accessing nutritious foods, which can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth and development. This demographic may rely more on processed and cheaper food options that are typically lower in nutritional value. Research supports the idea that children in economically disadvantaged situations are at a higher risk for a range of nutritional deficiencies, which can have long-term effects on their health, academic performance, and overall well-being. These deficiencies are significant for health as they can contribute to various health issues, both physical and mental, and negatively impact students' learning abilities and concentration in class. The other options do not accurately represent the well-documented pattern of nutritional deficiencies. While there may be variations in the prevalence of deficiencies among different groups, suggesting that they are more common among girls than boys overlooks the broader systemic issues related to economic status that contribute to overall nutritional health. Additionally, stating that nutritional deficiencies are common but unimportant disregards the serious implications these issues have on health and education. The perspective that deficiencies are rarely encountered is also inconsistent with research findings, as many studies report them as