The African American Learner: Physical Activity and Its Link to Student Achievement

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: The African American Learner

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is an important factor in every human’s day to day life style. It helps to promote better physical fitness and health, as well as reduce the risk of suffering from chronic diseases and disorders. Recently, as the pressures of state standardized testing are felt throughout the schools, interest has grown in determining multiple ways to increase student scores. One of these methods currently under examination is the idea that an increase in physical activity will help improve achievement among children and adolescents. Many researchers posit that PA does in fact increase achievement, especially among children during the elementary school years. Despite the research, schools continue to de-emphasize the importance of PA and physical education in the schools.

Author

• Elizabeth Deuermeyer, Texas A&M University - College Station