Centers for Disease Control and Prevention applaud school-based physical activity. A recent government review of research supports recess and physical education.
Cutting PE and Recess is Short-Sighted
While schools are experiencing budget cuts, physical education is viewed by many as less important than raising scores for No Child Left Behind. However, this may be a Catch 22 because research states that physical activity boosts student performance. Howell Wechsler, director of the Division of Adolescent and School Health for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, “Some short-sighted people thought that cutting back on time spent on physical education to spend more time drilling for tests would improve test scores. But, in fact, there are a lot of studies that show that more time for PE and other physical activity help improve academic performance.” [1]
Experts Review 50 Studies on Effects of Physical Activity
Wechsler and several colleagues reviewed 50 studies that measured the correlation between school-based physical activity and academic progress. The 50 studies fell into three categories.
- Half of the findings showed positive associations.
- Half of the findings showed no effect.
- None of the findings showed a negative effect. [1]
The evidence is present to embrace physical activity for school children.
Specific Facts Surface about Physical Activity in School
Wechsler and colleagues highlighted specific information about physical activity.
- Recess can improve students’ attention, concentration and ability to stay on task.
- Increased time in PE classes can help children’s attention and concentration and achievement test scores.
- Short physical activity breaks of about 5 to 10 minutes in the classroom can improve attention span, classroom behavior and achievement test scores.
- Participating in physical activity clubs, athletic teams, and merely running outside can improve grade point averages, school attachment, educational aspirations and the likelihood of graduation.
There are also guidelines for physical activity.
- Government physical activity guidelines for elementary and teens are one hour or more of moderate-intensity to vigorous activity a day.
- The Institute of Medicine suggests at least 30 minutes of physical activity during the school day.
How many high school students are meeting these guidelines? Only 17%. [1]
How Can Children Get More Activity?
Teachers on duty for recess can organize games or encourage students to do running activities. Short breaks can be scheduled into the school day within classrooms using Brain Gym activities. These would cost nothing. Community-based organizations could offer after school programs at little cost to students and families. Instead of giving students rides to school, parents could allow children to ride their bikes or walk.
Research states that more physical activity could actually assist students in raising test scores. How many students are being placed on medication to assist them to focus in school? Could more exercise do the same? Most schools could find the extra time for physical activity knowing it would improve academics, improve graduation rates, improve classroom behavior, and improving concentration.
Source:
- [1] Hellmich, Nancy. “Study: Physical activity can boost student performance,” USA Today, April 4, 2010.
Barbara Pytel - Email me Experience Although I was never particularly fond of going to school as an ELL student, I ironically became a teacher, ...
