The importance of physical activity in closing the achievement gap

The most significant concern within the US educational community is the academic achievement gap. Investigation of the achievement gap reveals that minority students across all levels of education are not meeting the same academic measures as their non-Hispanic White peers. In addition, a disproportionate number of minority children are identified as overweight. Physical activity has been identified as an influence on the reduction and prevention of overweight and obesity. In addition, physical activity has been recognized as beneficial to cognitive performance in children. The current review provides a stimulus to recognize the links between overweight and academic achievement in minority youth and the importance of physical activity in addressing these issues. As a nation, we cannot afford another generation of students of color and low income who are ill prepared for full citizenship. Students of every race, ethnicity, language, and income need the skills and tools to compute, critique, and create at high levels. We must agree to identify and employ initiatives that hold the greatest promise for moving all students-including students of color, poor students, rural and urban students, and second-language learners-to high levels of achievement (Gina Burkhard, CEO, Learning Points Associates).