Transcript Physical Activity & Academic Achievement

Physical Activity &
Academic Achievement
Name
Title
Organization
Outcomes for Presentation
• Recognize the connection between physical
activity and academic performance.
• Understand why schools are an ideal
location to promote physical activity.
• Learn how Let’s Go!’s 5210 Goes to School
program can help you support a healthier
environment.
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Benefits of a Physically Active Child
• Student test scores improve after engaging in
physical activity
• Students who are physically active are more
likely to perform well in school than their
sedentary peers
• Studies show an increase in academic
achievement when additional time is provided
for physical activity, even when time is
removed from academic instruction
An Under-utilized, Effective Tool
• Although research has repeatedly shown that
increased physical activity supports improved
academic performance, schools all across the
United States have been limiting physical
activities during school.
So Prove It!
• Is there data to support that theory?
– YES!
• Does it work here in Maine?
– YES!
Research Conducted in Maine
• Two studies were conducted in 2009 within
the public school system in Lewiston, Maine.
• Both studies provide evidence that physical
activity is positively correlated with academic
achievement.
Study 1: Data Analysis of
Standardized Test Scores
• Study 1 involved data analysis of 2007
FITNESSGRAM and NWEA scores
• The sample: 149 fourth and seventh grade
students from Lewiston, ME
– FITNESSGRAM: a five-part physical fitness assessment
– NWEA: a three-part standardized test given in ME
Study 1 Results
Number of FITNESSGRAM tests passed vs. NWEA Math,
Language, and Reading Performance
Study 2: Pedometer Program
• Students from 3 elementary schools in Lewiston
were asked to wear pedometers for one week
– Sample: 92 students
– Procedure: Participants wore their device at all times
and recorded step counts daily
Study 2 Preliminary Results
Weekday vs. Weekend Physical Activity Levels
In-School vs. After-School Physical Activity Levels
Study 2 Academic Results
Weekday Physical Activity & Grade Average Correlation
Steps taken during
the week
Correlation between
weekday steps and
grade average
Weekday Physical Activity and NWEA Reading Correlation
Steps taken during
the week
Correlation between
weekday steps and
NWEA Reading
Weekend Physical Activity and Grade Average Correlation
Steps taken during the
weekend
Correlation between
weekend steps and
grade average
In Summary…
• Study 1: Children who were more physically
fit were more likely to perform better on
NWEA Math, Language, and Reading
• Study 2: Children who were more physically
active had higher grade averages and better
NWEA reading scores
Home Away from Home
Ideal Location
• Schools are an ideal location to provide
increased physical activity for children,
through:
– Recess
– Active Learning
– Activity Breaks
– Physical Education
– Before and After School Programs
How can you get started?
• Join or support your 5210 Goes to School
program. Think simple, focus on just a few
strategies:
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Provide opportunities for children to get physical activity every day.
Provide non-food rewards
Limit recreational screen time
Participate in initiatives that promote healthy eating & active living.
Engage community partners to help support & promote healthy
eating and active living at your site
– Partner with and educate families in adopting a lifestyle
that supports healthy eating and active living
You’re Off to a Great Start!
• What are you already doing to support
increased physical activity?
– Activity breaks during lessons
– Incorporating movement into your curriculum
– Using physical activity as a reward
Recommendations for Leadership
School Boards, Superintendants, Principals…
• Spread the Word About Let’s Go! 5210
• Integrate Physical Activity Into Your
Schools
• Seek and Provide Support
Policy resources for
increasing physical activity:
• http://publichealthlawcenter.org/topics/active-living/school-policies
• http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/healthtopics/wellness.htm
• http://www.prevent.org/data/files/initiatives/schoolpe.pdf
• www.csba.org/pab.aspx (scroll down to “Physical
Education/Physical Activity”)
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Active Living Research. Active Bodies, Active Minds: Physical Activity and Academic
Achievement. San Diego, CA: Active Living Research, Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation, February 2010.
Let’s Go! Is Generously Funded by Our:
Founding Partners
Platinum Supporters
Additional Funders
American Academy of Pediatrics/Healthy Active Living, The Bingham Program, Frances Hollis Brain Foundation,
Jane's Trust, Leonard C. & Mildred F. Ferguson Foundation, Maine Department of Health & Human Services/ARRA,
The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation, The Rite Aid Foundation, Sam L. Cohen Foundation, The Walmart Foundation
Presented by:
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Contact Information
Presentation created by:
• Molly Radis, Bates College ‘10
– Molly wrote her undergraduate, honors thesis on the
relationship between physical activity and academic
achievement in children.
– Molly presented her research to the Lewiston
School Committee and at the annual Association for
Applied Sports Psychology conference in
Providence, RI in 2010.