A first-of-its-kind study of more than 2.4 million Texas students found that
those who are physically fit are more likely to do well on standardized
tests and have good school attendance. Fit students are also less likely to
have disciplinary referrals. The study analyzed data from 6,532 schools,
which represents about 75% of the schools in Texas and about 84% of the
school districts.
The findings are based on the results of six tests taken by students in
grades 3-12 during the 2007-2008 school year. The test was created by The
Cooper Institute of Dallas. The six types of assessment measured five areas
— body composition, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, endurance, and
flexibility. Assessments determined whether students are in a “healthy
fitness zone” for their age and gender.
The study found that cardiovascular health had a higher correlation to
school success than did the Body Mass Index. About 78% of fourth-grade
students were in the healthy fitness zone for cardiovascular fitness,
whereas only 20% of high school seniors reached the healthy fitness zone,
according to a news release. Cardiovascular fitness levels declined with
each passing grade. Significant correlations were found between physical
fitness and various indicators of academic achievement. The study shows
that:
Higher levels of fitness are associated with better academic performance. At
high performing schools that have earned the state’s top rating of
Exemplary, about 80% of the students have healthy levels of cardiovascular
fitness.
At schools that have received the state’s lowest rating of Academically
Unacceptable, slightly more than 40% of the students achieved cardiovascular
fitness.
Higher levels of fitness were associated with better school attendance.
Higher levels of fitness at a school were also associated with fewer
disciplinary incidents. The research looked at the number of incidents
involving drugs, alcohol, violence, and truancy.
Counties with high levels of cardiovascular fitness tended to have high
passing rates on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).
Regional and county data can be found at
www.texasyouthfitnessstudy.org.
