The Benefits of Health & Physical Education to Students
Positive relationship with academic achievement and test scores
Positive association with attention, concentration and on-task behavior
Reduces discipline referrals and participation in high-risk behaviors
Strategy for reducing childhood obesity
Encourages lifetime healthy habits

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) identifies school health and physical education as part of a student's "well-rounded education," along with other subjects such mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. This new federal education legislation provides increased access to funds for health and PE programs (including professional development) and allows Indiana and school districts to set their own priorities for funding and accountability.

INSHAPE Advocacy Resources

Fact Sheet

 

 

 

INSHAPE Additional Resources

Fact Sheet

 
Title Description
PE + Health = Student Success (General)Share this fact sheet with parents, administrators, and teachers.
The Wellness Impact Report for ParentsThis report explains why school wellness is more important than ever to students’ and our nation’s future. It illuminates the vital importance of improved nutrition and increased physical activity in ensuring a school environment that enhances students’ readiness to learn.
Inspiring Parents to Demand Healthy Communities Share this guide with individuals and organizations that work directly with parents, such as community-based organizations, spiritual leaders, health care providers, parent-teacher associations, afterschool programs, and early childhood educators.
The Learning ConnectionWhat You Need to Know to Ensure Your Kids are Healthy and Ready to Learn
National Standards for K-12 Physical EducationPoster summarizing SHAPE America's national standards for physical education
Data BriefIndiana Youth Institute shares data about why health and physical education is important.
Be a Backyard Advocate Learn how to speak out for quality health and physical education
ESSA: Game Changer for Health and Physical Education Learn how ESSA impacts school health and physical education
Indiana ESSA PlanThe Indiana Department of Education has a plan to comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act.
ESSA, Title IV Fact SheetMore information about federal funding under ESSA
Facts on Student WellnessFacts about student wellness, why physical activity and nutrition is important, and what schools can do to help.
Sample Advocacy Letter (docx)MS-Word document you can send to Governor, State Commissioner of Education, Department of Education, Superintendent, School District Leaders, Principal
Nutrition, Activity, the Brain and HealthPresentation at The Learning Connections Summit by Robert Murray, The Ohio State University
ESSA: New Opportunities for Indiana (ppt)SHAPE America created this powerpoint to explain how ESSA impacts health and physical education.
Health & Physical Education Redefined (ppt)Advocacy presentation made to a local PTO (by Ball State students)
Making Each Day Healthier for all ChildrenVoices for Healthy Kids has released a report that highlights progress in the advocacy movement, including policy wins and a behind-the-scenes look at campaigns to increase health equity, improve access to healthy foods and physical activity, and improve the places where families live, learn, work, and play.
Fundable Activities Infographic The Indiana Healthy Weight Initiative's Healthy Schools Action Team has identified examples of fundable activities for school districts to consider when completing their application.
Title IV, Part A FundingSee what each Indiana school district receives as a part of the Title IV, Part A funding.
Contact Advocacy Committee