Physically Fit Students Do Better on Tests

Several articles in Texas reported that children who are physically fit do better academically on standardized tests in their state. One article appearing on the The Dallas Morning News on March 9, 2009 noted that the Texas Education Agency released a study showing that students who are physically fit are more likely to do well on Texas achievement tests and are also less likely to have disciplinary problems.

Also on March 9, the online edition of The Houston Chronicle published an article on this study and quoted state Senator Jane Nelson, who commented, "Now, we have hard evidence that there is a link between fitness and academic success. We need to continue our efforts to decrease these trends as if lives depend on it, because they truly do."

In the Dallas News story, state Education Commissioner Robert Scott said in a statement, "Texas is the first state to require an annual physical fitness assessment of public school students. Today's research results show that improving our children's physical fitness can have positive results not only for the children, but also for the schools as well."

Texas Governor Rick Perry stated in the Houston Chronicle article, "Our state and nation are struggling with obesity, thanks to the combination of increasingly sedentary lifestyles and the declining quality of diets. We owe it to our children to take the appropriate steps to encourage fitness, steps that are made clearer by the information contained in this first round of testing. I am confident we are on our way to making a difference that will improve and even save lives.

"The study released by the Texas Education Agency can be read here, and noted that, "Students who are physically fit are more likely to do well on the state's standardized tests and have good school attendance. Fit students are also less likely to have disciplinary referrals."

In the release by the Texas Education Agency, Dr. Kenneth Cooper, aerobics pioneer and founder of the Cooper Institute stated, "The impact exercise has on the growing brain is unparalleled. Increased exercise improves cardiovascular health, and that helps the brain function more efficiently and enhances its ability to learn."