associations between fitness and academic achievement and academic behavior among mississippi public...
TRANSCRIPT
Associations between Fitness and Academic Achievement
and Academic Behavior among Mississippi Public
School Students
RESEARCH TEAM
Jerome R. Kolbo The University of Southern Mississippi
John Alvarez Delta State University
Lindsey Blom Ball State University
Lei Zhang Mississippi State Department of Health
PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
Provide curriculum, training, resources based on Mississippi Standards for Physical Education to assist schools to implement a quality physical education program (Physical Best) in 25 schools across the state
PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATION
Assess: Fitness levels among students
Changes in fitness levels over time (3 years)
Associations between fitness and
• Academic Achievement (Language Arts/Math)• Academic Behavior (Attendance/Discipline)
METHOD
Training of selected school personnel on: Physical Best curriculum FITNESSGRAM software Fitness oriented PE equipment
Schools were to implement a fitness program for all students assess their performance and capture data on fitness:
• Strength• Endurance• Flexibility• Aerobic Capacity• BMI
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
FITNESSGRAM data collected over five semesters, beginning in Spring 2008
Data collected and organized by student, class, grade, and school
Data used to determine percent of students achieving scores within a Healthy Fit Zone
Data merged with student academic records
C2M FINDINGS
Strong positive association between fitness and academic achievement
Statistically significant linear trend for both Language Arts and Math in 07-08 and 08-09
Strong negative association between fitness and academic behavior
Statistically significant linear trend for absences in 07-08 but not for disciplinary actions either year
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT 07-08
ACADEMIC BEHAVIOR 07-08
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT 08-09
ACADEMIC BEHAVIOR 08-09
C2M IMPLICATIONS
Key risk factors for dropping out are addressed. Fit kids miss less school and perform
better on standardized tests Good investment in future of education is
through investment in fitness Not simply adding more PE or
opportunities for physical activity
FUTURE RESEARCH
Assess changes in percentages of fit students over time using Physical Best Curriculum
Assess and compare associations between fitness and academic and behavioral performance among this cohort and two different ones (N1 – after implementing CSHP, and N2 – while implementing CSHP)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jerome R. Kolbo, PhD, ACSW
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive #5114
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
Office - 601-266-5913