CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) released a new report, entitled The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance, on April 14, 2010. The report indicates that school-based physical activity may help improve students’ grades and test scores and positively affect other factors that influence academic achievement. The report also concludes that adding time during the school day for physical activity does not appear to take away from academic performance. The report and executive summary are available on the DASH Health and Academics Web site.
Health and Academics http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/index.htm#3
Additionally, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education has released a brochure for the public that briefly summarizes the findings of DASH’s report. It is available at www.LetsMoveInSchool.org or www.aahperd.org/naspe.
Other blog posts on topic
Research on Recess= A for Academics
Preschools that emphasize play have their advantages
Fit kids finish first academically