Educational Websites

Research
Publications
Resources

Research

Active Living Research Brief - The Active Education
The Active Education: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Academic Performance Research Brief summarizes the peer-reviewed research on the relationship between physical activity and academic performance among children and adolescents. Click to download the brief.

Community Organizing Linked To Increased Student Achievement
Findings from a landmark six-year study by the Community Involvement Program of the Annenberg Institute for School Reform reveal that sophisticated community organizing at the grassroots level produces major improvements in student achievement. The study uncovered strong and consistent evidence that indicates effective organizing: contributes to higher attendance rates and test scores and increased graduation rates and college-going aspirations; fosters school-community relationships, parental involvement and engagement in schools; and, stimulates important changes in policy, practices and resource distribution that expand capacity and equity in traditionally underserved communities. The study's authors also argue that effective organizing groups achieve impact through a combination of system-level advocacy and school- or community-based activity. As a result of continued and consistent parental, youth and community engagement, improvements have been both generated and sustained. In addition to educational change, organizing groups contribute to the development of new civic capacity, as adults and youths report higher goals and expectations for themselves and their families after participating in community organizing groups. Download report.

Obesity Among Adults in the United States--No Change Since 2003-2004. After a quarter century of increases, obesity prevalence has not measurably increased in the past few years but levels are still high –- at 34 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 and over, according to a new study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report, "Obesity Among Adults in the United States -- No Change Since 2003-2004," is the latest analysis based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, conducted by CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. For the full PDF click here.

Publications

Attention Youth Sport Coaches. Order your FREE "Heads Up" Concussions Tool Kits! As many as 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions are estimated to occur in the United States each year. A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Even what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. As a coach or youth sports administrator, you play a vital role in sharing this information with athletes and parents. Coaches and sports administrators can order or download FREE "Heads Up: Concussion In Youth Sports"Tool Kits.

PE Metrics: Assessing the National Standards. Available for purchase at the 2008 AAHPERD National Convention in Forth Worth!! With the new NASPE assessment book and DVD, teachers, administrators and policy makers have the tools to determine the impact of physical education programs, assess student knowledge and skills, track progress over time and compare programs across districts and states. There's simply no better time to be a physical educator. Click to learn more about assessing your students and to order your own copy or call 800.321.0789.

Play is for people of all ages!
New article about how play is an important part in everyone's lives, not just children. Click here to read more.

Well Done! School Nutrition Professionals Put Wellness Policies to Work is a booklet of motivational tales of how school nutrition directors are meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by local school wellness policies. School nutrition professionals from districts of all sizes and all across the country share experiences relating to gaining support from principals, teachers, parents and students; establishing cafeteria-based nutrition education programs; finding products to meet new nutrition standards; developing staff wellness programs and making operational changes. Visit the SNA website for more information.

Resources

Kids Health Resource
KidsHealth.org, the most-visited website for children's health information, has launched a new version of its #1 feature for kids, "How the Body Works." With more than 1.6 million viewers since 2004, "How the Body Works" has been KidsHealth's most popular feature with kids – and with teachers, too. Using kid-friendly language, animations, and activities, "How the Body Works" is a popular resource for homework help and an entertaining way for kids to get answers to their questions. Click to view "How the Body Works.

Maternal and Child Health Library
This virtual guide to maternal and child health information offers a wide variety of electronic resources, including the MCH Alert, knowledge paths, databases, bibliographies, and other materials developed for professionals and families. The Maternal and Child Health Library is located at the National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health (NCEMCH) at Georgetown University. Click to visit online.

National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health at Georgetown University Child and Adolescent Nutrition Knowledge Path
The knowledge path offers a guide to recent resources that analyze data, describe public-awareness campaigns and other health-promotion programs, and report on research aimed at identifying promising strategies for improving nutrition and eating behaviors within families, schools, and communities. Separate sections identify resources for professionals, resources for families, and resources on specific aspects of child and adolescent nutrition. Topics include child care and early childhood education, food marketing to children, food safety, food-security and nutrition-assistance programs, and school-based nutrition education and food services. Click to view the path online.

Primary School Mental Health Schools have a significant influence on students' emotional, social and behavioral development. There is a growing understanding that the primary school years represent a significant opportunity for mental health promotion, and the prevention and early intervention of mental health problems in children. Click to learn more.

State-based Physical Activity Program Directory
The DNPAO State-based Physical Activity Program Directory site provides information about physical activity programs involving state departments of health. Use this site to get state physical activity coordinator contact information, research programs, gather ideas, and share information.
Visit website.