Physical Activity & Academic Achievement

NameTitle

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.

Benefits of a Physically Active Child1

• 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

• 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.

An Under-utilized, Effective Tool

• Is there data to support that theory?

– YES!

• Does it work here in Maine?– YES!

So Prove It!

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 ResultsNumber 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 ResultsWeekday vs. Weekend Physical Activity

Levels

In-School vs. After-School Physical Activity Levels

Study 2 Academic ResultsWeekday Physical Activity & Grade Average

Correlation

Steps taken during the weekCorrelation between weekday steps and grade average

Weekday Physical Activity and NWEA Reading Correlation

Steps taken during the weekCorrelation between weekday steps and NWEA Reading

Weekend Physical Activity and Grade Average Correlation

Steps taken during the weekendCorrelation 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

• 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

Ideal Location

How can you get started?• Join or support your 5210 Goes to School

program. Think simple, focus on just a few strategies:

– 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 LeadershipSchool 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”)

1 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 FundersAmerican 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:

Name

Title

Organization

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.