School + PE = Academic Success

Physical Education has been viewed by some to be of little importance when it comes to actual academics. Some individuals feel that the time spent in PE could actually be used for other things such as tutoring, or STAAR testing tutorials. So how do physical educators defend their role against such an argument?

Studies show that PE may very well be linked to better academic achievement. According to the International Journal of Obesity, “To date, the available information suggests that improvements in cardio respiratory fitness have short-term and long-term positive effects on depression, anxiety, mood status and self-esteem in young people, being also associated with a higher academic performance.”¹ Taking PE out of public schools would only hinder children from doing their best in the classroom. Games, activities, and exercise actually help to develop a child’s creativity. In the academic journal Quest, the author also states, “Physical education content should be valued because the performance thereof can constitute creative, intelligent human behavior.”²

Physical Education is necessary in the public schools and can actually help with academic performance. So why put it on the chopping block if it’s so valuable? It may be because research such as this has not made it to all of the public schools.

In next week’s blog, ways to become an outstanding PE teacher will be presented.

¹Ortega, F. B., Ruiz, J. R., Castillo, M. J., & Sjöström, M. (2008). Physical fitness in childhood and adolescence: A powerful marker of health. International Journal of Obesity, 32(1), 1-11. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803774

²Johnson, T. G. (2012). The significance of physical education content: “sending the message” in physical education teacher education, Quest, 64(3), 187-19. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com