Abstract:
The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the relationship between students’ physical education fitness norms and academic achievement measures in a suburban elementary school. Does high or low performance on physical fitness tests align with high or low academic achievement from standardized testing? The study sought to determine the importance of physical education and its role in promoting student physical fitness, as well as its possible influence on student academic achievement. School administrators, general education and special education teachers, special area teachers, and other support staff completed a survey to determine if there is a relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement. School administrators also completed a questionnaire regarding their opinion of the importance of physical education if it relates to academic achievement. Two focus groups, consisting of third and fourth grade teachers in the school district, openly discussed if physical education helps with academic achievement. The study sought to determine whether physical education is linked to student academic achievement.
