American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

Issue: January 2009

Promoting Physical Education: The Link to Academic Achievement
Nicole J. Smith & Monica Lounsbery

Abstract: Quality physical education is recognized for its health-related benefits and should be supported as an integral component of every school's curriculum. Unfortunately, quality physical education is not easily established or maintained. Many physical education programs face challenges such as reduced staff, large class sizes, inadequate facilities and equipment, and minimal enrollment requirements. In many cases, these challenges have been or are currently being addressed through strategic advocacy efforts. Although advocacy messages that credibly link physical education to physical activity and health-related benefits are the most powerful, this advocacy strategy may not be compelling enough for school administrators due to budgetary shortfalls and the educational priority to demonstrate adequate yearly progress in academic achievement. Therefore, advocacy efforts may prove more effective if the link between physical education and academic achievement is used as the primary focus. The purpose of this article is to outline what research has shown about the relationship between physical education and academic achievement for use in advocacy efforts.

Article category: Public relations