From “School-Based Yoga Supports Academic Achievement and Student Wellness”
Academic Performance
In 2000, cardiologist Herbert Benson led a research team to study the relationship between exposure to a relaxation-response curriculum and academic achievement among middle school students. Teachers were trained to teach their students relaxation exercises and self-care strategies. Those who had more than two semesters’ worth of exposure to the relaxation curriculum earned higher marks in GPA, work habits and cooperation, than students who did not, and maintained this improvement for at least two years.
The Accelerated School (TAS) in South Central Los Angeles is a flagship school which integrates yoga with its teaching. According to co-founder Kevin Sved, “Unless you’re fully engaging the minds and bodies of the children, they’re not going to be as productive” (emphasis added). The results of the TAS approach bear this out. Between 1997 and 2001, TAS saw an amazing 93% increase in Stanford Achievement Test scores. Attendance averages 94%—very high in the LA Unified School District. In May 2001, it was recognized by Time as Elementary School of the Year.
Self-Esteem, Discipline, and Physical Fitness
A 2003 study of the YogaEd® program at TAS found that yoga class participation not only helped students improve their attitudes toward themselves, but their behavior also improved, as seen in the vastly lower rate of discipline referrals. These students also ranked as more physically fit, with more than 23 percent more TAS students meeting the standards for physical fitness than students at other schools in the district.
Oppositional and ADHD Subscales and Indices
Preliminary findings suggest that yoga is effective as a complementary and alternative method for addressing ADHD and may be especially effective later in the day when medications wear off. Jensen and Kenny recommend larger studies involving yoga programs integrated into school curriculum.
Emotional Balance, Reducing Fears
In a 2003 study of 48 fifth grade students, Stueck and Gloeckner found that yoga training increased emotional balance and reduced fears, feelings of helplessness and aggression. They also found that the participants transferred the learned breathing techniques and self-instructions to situations beyond school.
In Chicago, the Namaste Charter School was founded in a low-income, high-crime neighborhood. Named for the yogic greeting of mutual respect, Namaste focuses on health in every aspect: the school day is longer, with lots of physical activity (an hour of gym and 25 minutes of outdoor recess daily); yoga classes are included; healthy, low sugar meals are provided; classes are small, with two teachers per room; and conflict resolution strategies and parental involvement are integrated. Children are taught to notice when they need to wake up or calm down. Each classroom reserves space where students can practice yoga, punch pillows or rip paper to release anger. In collaboration with Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital, Namaste’s early assessments are promising, with research showing a reduction in obesity among its students, and an upsurge in language acquisition.