Improving the First Grading Academic Achievement of Grades 2to 6 Undernourished Pupils of the Polo Elementary School through a School-Based Feeding Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the unending concerns of the Department of Education in the Philippines is the significant effect of nutrition among learners' performances in different academic strands. The study from Acham (2010) demonstrated that a child's health and nutritional status were the potential factors that influence educational achievement. In line with this, DepEd implemented the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) to selected public schools which aim to improve the nutritional status of children as well as to improve their academic performance. The pupil that is classified as "wasted"or "severely wasted" is the priority target of this program.

METHODS

This action research examined the nutritional status and its effect on the learners' academic achievement before and after the SBFP implementation. Furthermore, a descriptive-comparative method was used to find the difference in the first grading academic achievement of Grades 2to 6 undernourished pupils of Polo Elementary School during School Year 2017-2018 and School Year 2018-2019. It was calculated using the t-test for independent variables.

RESULTS

The study revealed that School-Based Feeding Program implementation has no significant effect on the learners' academic achievement although it was successfully rehabilitated 54% wasted to normal nutritional status.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings and conclusions, the researcher recommends that the School-Based Feeding program should be continuous. Even without any significant effect on the learners' academic performance, it is also the department's advocacy to ensure the health and wellness of our learners. Furthermore, the School and home must work hand-in-hand in promoting good nutrition and improving learners' academic achievement at all times.