What Improves Student Focus?
Ask Your Health and Physical Education Teacher
Research has proven that physical education and physical activity provide many benefits for students, such as:
Improved academic achievement, including grades and standardized test scores
Enhanced attention, concentration, and on-task behavior
Reduced discipline referrals and reduced participation in high-risk behaviors
The good news is that the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) identifies school health and physical education (HPE) as part of a student's well-rounded education. That means that all administrators can take advantage of new funding opportunities to expand their programs and improve the physical, mental and emotional health of their students.
Here's How to Advance the HPE Discussions
Establish and adopt policies, standards, and guidelines
Support the development of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program
Use the National Standards and Florida State Standards in your school
Review the Guide for Physical Education Policy
Download legislation talking points, policy guidance, and guidelines which can be used to develop and evaluate health, physical education and recess policies at the state, school district or school level.
Evaluate and elevate existing programs
Use the Administrator's Observation Checklist for Indicators of Effective Physical Education Instruction
Familiarize yourself with SHAPE America's position statement, Physical Education is an Academic Subject
Understand the Essential Components of Physical Education
Learn more about Appropriate Practices in School-Based Health Education
Clarify Appropriate Instructional Practice Guidelines for Physical Education
Support your HPE Program with strong staff and strong initiatives
Provide professional development opportunities for your health and physical education teachers
Support school participation in Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart
Promote an active learning environment through 50 Million Strong by 2029, Let's Move! Active Schools and PYFP