There is a strong connection between activity and academic performance. Daily activity is a critical component in addressing the epidemic of childhood obesity.
Yet, for behavioral or academic reasons, a large number of school districts have not crafted strong policies to prevent elementary schools from withholding recess. The topical area is one for review and discussion.
Results of a survey of school districts and their policies, published in the August issue of the School Journal of Health, found that:
- Nearly 63 percent of school districts had no policy regarding withholding physical activity or using physical activity as punishment.
- At 28.3 percent of schools, withholding students from recess due to poor behavior was not allowed. Similarly, 26.7 percent of schools reported that withholding recess for completion of schoolwork was not allowed.
- Strong school district policy was associated with increased odds of not withholding students from recess for poor behavior or completing schoolwork.
The study examined both school and district-level information, using a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey data from Bridging the Gap. Mail-back surveys were conducted during the 2008-2009, 2009-2010, and 2010-2011 school years. A total of 1,919 surveys were received. Data on corresponding school district polices was gathered and coded.
Read the article here.
