Exercise + academics = achievement

Researchers have shown that integrating physical activity into the school day improves academic performance.

Although the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity, schools struggle to meet the standard.

That won’t get any easier now that we’re in the heart of the “teaching year,” or these weeks before annual academic testing.

And that’s part of the challenge: schools are held accountable for academic achievement, so math and reading are emphasized. Extra time for gym or recess simply doesn’t happen.

Adding physical activity would mean massive overhauling of personnel, space and schedules. Will this happen during the 2017-18 school year?