Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness

Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness California STAR Testing Program 2001 Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Study on Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • Study completed by the California Department of Education (released12/10/02) • Data included SAT 9 Mathematics and Reading plus Fitnessgram from 2001 • Grades 5, 7, 9 (954,000 students) Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Key Finding Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • Higher Achievement was associated with higher levels of fitness at each of the grade levels measured. Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Grade 5 Sat-9 and Physical Fitness Scores Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Fifth Grade Results Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • 353,000 Students • Strong relationship between reading, math and physical fitness • Greatest gains made by those students who met 3 or more fitness standards Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Fifth Grade Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • Mandated 200 instructional minutes of physical education every 10 school days (does not include recess or lunch) • Fitness and skill development emphasis • Well rounded, teacher guided program Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Seventh Grade Results Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • 322,000 Students • Even greater gains seen when students meet 3 or more minimum fitness standards Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Seventh Grade Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • Mandated 400 instructional minutes of physical education every 10 school days • Focus on understanding the relationship of fitness components to optimum health • Emphasizes personal goal setting in skills and fitness • Leads students to self sufficiency Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Ninth Grade Results Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • 279,000 Students • A strong relationship shown for girls and boys • Math scores were higher than reading Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Ninth Grade Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • Mandated 400 minutes of physical education every 10 school days • Theme “Developing a Personalized Fitness Program for a Healthy Life-Style” • Emphasizes physiological, psychological, and social benefits of a healthy, active life-style • Leads to pursuit of excellence Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Key Findings Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • Strong relationship between fitness reading and math scores at each grade level. • Greatest gains made when students meet 3 or more minimum fitness standards. Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Recommendations Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • Districts and school leaders need to prioritize our children’s health by insisting on quality physical education for all children. • It is time to use some of the resources provided for low performing schools for • ALL of the factors that are affecting academic achievement. Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Recommendations Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness • Districts have a responsibility to fund physical education mandates appropriately with the provided general fund allotments. Provided by California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness