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…
Time spent in physical education does not detract from a students’
ability to excel in the classroom
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports)
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)
Children who displayed higher levels of physical
fitness were more likely to have higher standardized
test scores in reading and mathematics (Castelli, 2007)
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:
Information obtained from (Taras, 2005)
Have
attendance
issues Engage in risky
behaviors 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 #2
Reduce physical Eliminate physical
Let’s look at it in aclasses to
education classes to education
focus on academic way!
new focus on academic
ratings and test ratings and test
scores scores
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 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
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, 239-252.
Center for Disease Control, (2008). Healthy People 2010. Retrieved April 24,
2008, from Healthy People 2010 Web site: http://www.healthypeople.gov/
Center for Disease Control, (2008) Physical education and activity. Retrieved
11/1/2005 from www.cdc.gov/shpps.
Grissom, J. B., & Evans, G. W. (2004). Physical Fitness and Academic
Achievement in California. American Psychologist. 59(2), 77-92.
Hillman, Charles H., Erickson, Kirk I., & Kramer, Arthur F.
Nature Reviews Neuroscience 9, 58-65 (January 2008)
REFERENCES
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.
Taras, Howard, & Potts-Datema, William (2005). Obesity and Student Performance at
School. Journal of School Health. 75(8), 291-295.