Physical activity stimulates the nervous system and subsequently increases cognition, neural functioning, and information processing in the human brain (Colcombe, Kramer, Erickson, Scalf, & McAuley, 2004; Erickson, Voss, Prakash, Basak, & Szabo, 2011). Students who include athletic pursuits in their daily schedules tend to perform better…

Although much has been researched and written about the value of extracurricular programs in U.S. public schools, few studies have addressed the combined effect that school reform initiatives, including myriad standardized tests, accountability measures, and massive financial crisis which have become more commonplace during periods of economic…

As Catholic high schools continue to experience success in interscholastic athletic leagues, state associations have repeatedly contemplated ways to thwart the perceived Catholic school advantage. In a number of states, the athletic associations have responded to the success of private schools in interscholastic competition by applying a…