Active Students, Active Learners Website Launches

Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee Department of Education Partner to Boost Student Achievement and Health

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Departments of Education and Health are working together to help bring tools, success stories and evidence to education decision makers that illustrate the significant impacts of physical activity on the whole student, particularly academic performance.  

The Active Students, Active Learners website contains evidence-based materials on the impact of physical activity on reading and math scores, as well as the importance of community engagement, physical education and physical activity before, during and after school. The information is presented in an easy to understand format and includes best practices, tools and resources and research evidence. The website features a welcome video by Tennessee Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH and Tennessee Education Commissioner Candice McQueen, PhD.

“We know health and education are intrinsically linked, and there is evidence to suggest kids that get regular physical activity go further in school and later have more economic success than those who don’t,” said Dreyzehner. “Active students tend to do better with attention, concentration, behavior and enjoy better overall physical and mental health than students who get little or no physical activity.”

“We all want our students to continue to grow and learn, and we know that a strong part of their academic performance is their physical and mental health,” said McQueen. “With student wellness and success in mind, we a

re committed to providing resources to our districts and schools to further the well-being of all Tennessee children.”

For more information about the Active Students, Active Learners website, visit www.tn.gov/education/section/active-academics.  

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.