Physical Activity & Academic Achievement Jessica Nella

As a country we recognize the need for emphasizing the importance of physical activity and health by simply examining the startling statistics concerning obesity among our youth… But…as a nation we also acknowledge the need for preparing our students to achieve the academic standards outlined in the No Child Left Behind Legislation

Since the enactment of No Child Left Behind, 71% of school districts have reduced physical education instructional time to dedicate more time to the subjects of reading and math. (Byrd, 2007)

Research conclusions… Children who displayed higher levels of physical fitness were more likely to have higher standardized test scores in reading and mathematics (Castelli, 2007) The link between activity and academic performance was most significant when kids met Healthy People 2010 guidelines for vigorous activity 30 minutes a day, at least three days a week (Somerset, 2007) Time spent in physical education does not detract from a students’ ability to excel in the classroom (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports) Physical activity may even help improve GIRLS’ academic performance (CDC)

Despite the wealth of knowledge concerning the benefits of physical activity, ONLY… 8% of Elementary Schools 6.4% of Middle Schools 5.8% of High Schools provide daily physical education to all of its students 

Research indicates providing increased time for physical activity can lead to: Improved measures of concentration Reduced disruptive behaviors Reduced attendance issues Higher test scores in reading Higher test scores in math Higher test scores in writing

The Research Shows….. “Physical activity not only increases blood flow to the brain, improves circulation and raises endorphin levels, which all help to reduce stress, but physically active students may also achieve more academically” (Taras, 2005)

The Research Shows….. “Children who displayed higher levels of physical fitness were more likely to have higher standardized test scores in reading and mathematics.” (Castelli, 2007)

Recent studies have indicated that achievement in standardized tests of mathematics and reading was positively related to physical fitness scores, measured using the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) test. (Hillman, 2008)

Physically fit students tend to be less likely to: Have attendance issues Engage in risky behaviors Information obtained from (Taras, 2005) Get pregnant Attempt suicide all associated with better outcomes in school

How can physical activity benefit academics? “Exercise creates more alertness in a classroom situation, it stimulates more of the natural uppers in the brain, like dopamine, and it improves working memory and problem solving skills” (Jensen, 2006)

Equation for Success Increased Academic Achievement = Consistent Physical Activity X Quality Instructional Time HEALTHY CHILDREN…BETTER LEARNERS

“Children in elementary, middle and high schools need opportunities to be physically active in recess and physical education classes not only for their personal health and well-being but perhaps also for the well- being of the schools if their concentration and test scores increase as well” (Grissom, 2005)

The stakes have become high and difficult choices must be made with regard to curriculum… Two common solutions: #1 Reduce physical education classes to focus on academic ratings and test scores #2 Eliminate physical education classes to focus on academic ratings and test scores Let’s look at it in a new way!

Our goal must be to create motivated students and productive classrooms.

ALL components are essential for the well being of the TOTAL CHILD

The greatest gifts we can give to our students… STRONG HEARTS AND MINDS

REFERENCES Byrd, Jimmy (2007, March, 30). The Impact of Physical Activity and Obesity on Academic Achievement among Elementary Students. The Connexions Project, 1, Retrieved 2008, March, from Castelli, Darla M., Hillman, Charles H., Buck, Sarah M., & Erwin, Heather E. (2007). Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement in Third-and Fifth-Grade Students. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 29, Center for Disease Control, (2008). Healthy People Retrieved April 24, 2008, from Healthy People 2010 Web site: Center for Disease Control, (2008) Physical education and activity. Retrieved 11/1/2005 from Grissom, J. B., & Evans, G. W. (2004). Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement in California. American Psychologist. 59(2), Hillman, Charles H., Erickson, Kirk I., & Kramer, Arthur F. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 9, (January 2008)

REFERENCES Taras, Howard, & Potts-Datema, William (2005). Obesity and Student Performance at School. Journal of School Health. 75(8), Jensen, Eric (2006). Enriching the Brain. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass. Somerset, Sigman, Beth (2007). Relating Physical Education and Activity Levels to Academic Achievement in Children. JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance.