The Effects of an Integrated Health and Physical Education Program on Student Achievement

The Effects of an Integrated Health and Physical Education Program on Student Achievement by Myralynn B. Catchings M.A., Mississippi State University, 1981 B.S., Alcorn State University, 1974 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Teacher Leadership Walden University December 2011 Abstract In recent years, several schools have addressed the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act ofIn recent years, several schools have addressed the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 by focusing on promoting skill acquisition in reading and math, often overlooking physical education (PE) as a significant part of a child's education. The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated health and physical education (HPE) program on student achievement. This study was grounded in action-based learning theories. The research question examined differences in posttest scores, adjusted for pretest differences, from 204 freshman students enrolled in a Biology-1 class at an urban high school. Students in Group A were enrolled in Biology-1 and an HPE class that incorporates Biology-1 content. Students in Group B were enrolled in Biology-1 but were not in a HPE class; thus, they did not participate in the integrated HPE program. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine whether the integrated PE program increased student achievement in Biology-1. The findings showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups (p < .05). The Biology-1 students who participated in the integrated HPE program scored significantly higher on the Biology-1 state test than the Biology-1 students who did not participate in the integrated HPE program. These results may influence educational decisions regarding the use of HPE by encouraging serious consideration of an integrated HPE program, which could enhance student achievement, thus promoting positive social change. The Effects of an Integrated Health and Physical Education Program on Student Achievement by Myralynn B. Catchings M.A., Mississippi State University, 1981 B.S., Alcorn State University, 1974 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Teacher Leadership Walden University December 2011 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent on the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 1346 UMI 3488040 Copyright 2011 by ProQuest LLC. UMI Number: 3488040 Dedication Effectively integrating core subject content into the physical education curriculum can provide students with valuable information that they will need to know in order to succeed academically and to compete in our global society. With integration, students are getting the physical activity they need to enhance the development of their minds and their bodies. Integration could be the medium for closing the achievement gap that has plagued the success of educators for decades. Understanding the process by which students learn, the various learning strategies that enhance learning and the need for effective professional development can facilitate the success of an effective integrated health and physical education program in the schools. Therefore, this study is dedicated to physical educators and educational leaders who want to do their part in increasing student learning and be a catalyst for positive global change. Acknowledgments I would like to express my gratitude to the advisors at Walden University for giving me the opportunity to grow professionally. With this opportunity, I thank God for giving me the strength, the ability, and the will to persevere. Special thanks go out to my committee chair (Brenda Kennedy, Ed.D.) and committee member (Kerry Burner, Ed.D.) for all they have done to make this possible. The leadership, guidance, assistance, and patience they bestowed upon me during this doctoral journey were greatly appreciated and will be very useful for the rest of my life. Especially Dr. Kennedy, who far exceeded my expectations; I will never forget her. Meeting timelines as I progressed through the doctoral program called for many adjustments in my daily schedule and the need for family members to be supportive and understanding. Therefore, I would like to thank my wonderful daughter (Myrian) for reading everything I wrote and listening to my concerns when I was stressed. I must thank my son-in-law (Michael) for his support to me and my daughter as we both pursued our goal to become Doctors of Education at Walden University. I want to thank my grandson (Ariest) and darling granddaughter (Brianna) who willingly increased their learning by allowing me to practice integrating core subject content in their summer activities while they were on vacation with me. Most of all, I would like to give special thanks to my sister (Patricia), my niece (Dr. McCleon), and my sons (Billy and Trey) for encouraging me to take on this doctoral endeavor and assisting me along the way. Many thanks go out to two dear friends and colleagues, Glenn Cason and Juniace Senecharles Etienne, who unselfishly gave of their time and wealth of knowledge as we traveled through our doctoral journey. I must acknowledge the following professors at Walden University, who encouraged me to go beyond the norm, held high expectations for me, and tested my abilities: Dr. James Schiro, Dr. Donna Gee, Dr. Claudia Santin, Dr. Raj Singh, Dr. Carolyn Collins-Bondon, Dr. Michael Sanders, Dr. Steve Wells, and Dr. Michelle Brown. Without God and all of you, this dream would have always been a dream; but this success has proven that with the help of God, hard work, and dedication; dreams can become realities. Thank you all for being there for me.