| Many schools affected by low test scores are also losing key curricular and extra-curricular programming due to the reallocation of funds toward test-associated education. Physical education programs in particular in public schools are targeted by budget cuts. A more serious look at possible links between low student achievement and childhood obesity were necessitated by these policy changes. The problem addressed by this explanatory quantitative study was the potential connection between low student achievement and childhood obesity, as implicated in budget cuts for physical education due to NCLB priorities. The purpose of this study was to examine a potential connection between low student achievement using secondary data analysis, as measured by NCLB indicators and test scores, and the potential for childhood obesity, as measured by the existence of physical education and recess programs and obesity rates for children at the eighth grade level in twelve Louisiana parishes, using a convenience sample of secondary data sources provided by state and district records. This study found that physical education, academic ranking and academic success are not related. At the same time, the study found that physical education may create an outlet for students that reduces the number of suspensions; alternately, schools with more physical education also may have other characteristics that help to reduce suspensions. |
