Physical Education and Academic Performance in Urban African American Girls

Abstract

This study was designed to examine urban African American girls’ participation in physical education and its association with academic performance. One hundred eighty four participants completed questionnaires assessing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and learning engagement in physical education while their academic performance was based on individual grades in core academic classes. Quantitative analyses revealed that physical education played a critical role in enhancing physical activity involvement, and vigorous physical activity and learning engagement were significant predictors of academic performance. Findings suggest that besides the contribution to health promotion, African American girls’ participation in physical education may facilitate academic performance.