Positive Educational Outcomes Research Articles

Is Inclusive Education a Good “Fit” for ALL? Perceptions of Parents and Educators of ECD Learners with Complex Communication Needs

Providing children with complex communication needs (CCNs) with the right accommodations in a supportive schooling environment from the early childhood development (ECD) stage can significantly improve their developmental and educational outcomes. Inclusive education has been proposed as a possible framework that can promote positive educational outcomes; however, in South Africa, there has not been enough attention paid to inclusive education in ECD especially focusing on children with CCNs. The study therefore explored the perceptions of parents of children with CCNs and early childhood development teachers on inclusive education. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted with 8 ECD teachers and 8 parents of children with CCNs, who were purposively selected. Data were imported into NVivo 1.5 software and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Findings from the study revealed the following themes: i. Perceived benefits of inclusive education; ii. Preference for special needs education; iii. Shortcomings of special needs education in addressing the needs of learners with CCNs; iv. Factors informing school placement; v. Communication as a barrier to learning, teaching and socializing; vi. The need for disability conscientization. Although both parents and teachers of learners with CCNs acknowledge the value of inclusive education in facilitating access to education, they have a mistrust of inclusive education because of fear of stigma, discrimination, exclusion, bullying and exclusionary teaching practices. While they preferred special education, they acknowledged the gaps in teacher’s knowledge on communication disorders, training of teachers, teaching aids and assistive devices. Educating a child with a disability is expensive because of other additional costs, especially transportation.

Predictors of grit among medical students: a study at a Malaysian Public University

BackgroundPrevious literature has demonstrated associations between grit and positive educational and psychological outcomes, such as higher academic grades, lower attrition rates in medical training, and protection from burnout. However, the predictors of grit have yet to be studied, particularly among medical students in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the level of grit and its predictors among Malaysian medical students.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 123 medical students from a public university in Malaysia. Data on sociodemographic and educational characteristics were collected. The student’s personality traits were determined using the Big Five Inventory (BFI), while grit was assessed using the validated 7-item Short Grit Scale (Grit-S). Grit was expressed as a mean score, ranging from 1 (not at all gritty) to 5 (extremely gritty). Multiple linear regression was used to determine the association between the predictors (personality, sociodemographic and educational characteristics) and grit among these students.ResultsThe mean grit score was 3.43 (SD 0.57). Based on the multiple linear regression analysis, the grit score was significantly predicted by three personality traits which were extraversion, b = 0.2 (95% CI: 0.07–0.32), agreeableness, b = 0.28 (95% CI: 0.12–0.44) and conscientiousness, b = 0.6 (95% CI: 0.42–0.77). A 1-point increase in the mean extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness scores would independently increase these students’ mean grit scores by 0.2, 0.28, and 0.6, respectively. The sociodemographic and educational characteristics did not significantly predict grit among Malaysian medical students.ConclusionsThe mean grit score among Malaysian medical students is comparable to other medical students in Asia. Extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness personality traits were associated with higher grit. As grit is a dynamic trait, appropriate interventions should be implemented to foster and increase it among these students.

Investigating positive reading trajectories among children who experienced out-of-home care

BackgroundChildren who experience out-of-home care (OOHC) often have low academic achievement which subsequently negatively affects their adult life outcomes, yet a smaller proportion succeed in spite of adversity. Scant research has examined the trajectories of children who achieve well in school and factors associated with positive educational outcomes. Objectives(1) Describe the reading trajectories from Year 3 to Year 7 of school of children who experienced OOHC, with a focus on higher achievement and improving trajectories. (2) Identify child, carer and placement characteristics plus supports and services associated with positive reading trajectories among children who have experienced OOHC. Participants and settingThe study included 325 children from the Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study (POCLS) in New South Wales, Australia. MethodsThe POCLS is a prospective cohort study including linked survey data and administrative child protection and education data. Group based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify and describe common trajectories of reading achievement. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with different reading trajectories. ResultsGBTM revealed three reading trajectories among non-Aboriginal children, and two among Aboriginal children. A high achieving group (12% of non-Aboriginal children) were the only trajectory group to maintain their level of achievement across the study. Improving achievement was rare, while falling behind over time was common across achievement levels. ConclusionsResults point to the need for early intervention supporting school readiness and catch-up growth, with ongoing interventions for children who experience OOHC to prevent declining student outcomes across achievement levels and extend talented students.

Learners’ everyday experiences of violence in English medium secondary education in Uganda

This paper explores how Ugandan secondary school learners experience schooling in English-medium schools where the use of English only is strictly enforced. We conceptualise the ways that the learners sit at the intersection of direct, systemic and cultural violence that in turn impacts their educational experiences. We particularly focus on instances of direct violence through corporal punishment, and the ways that such violence, and associated fear, are part of many learners’ everyday schooling experiences. We demonstrate this through presentation of findings from thematic analysis of individual and focus group interviews with 64 learners at two public and two private secondary schools in the Amuru and Kitgum districts of Northern Uganda. Our conclusions advocate for greater attention to be paid to the ways that changes to enforced English-only policies could support more positive well-being and educational outcomes.

School-Family Partnerships to Support Attendance: Advancing an Equity-Centered Theoretical Framework.

Since returning to in-person instruction after the emergence of COVID-19 schools have seen a dramatic increase in the number of students chronically absent, with data indicating a greater increase for low-income, Black, and Hispanic students. Given the role of school attendance in both promoting positive educational outcomes as well as providing students with physical and mental health supports, it is critical to identify ways to re-engage families in a manner that is culturally responsive and equitable. Current attendance interventions focus primarily on school-based academic and behavioral supports for students while excluding the family. Additionally, traditional family engagement models do not address the sociocultural realities of low-income and/or minoritized families. We present a strengths-based model of family engagement to support attendance. Along with our model, we provide concrete supports that schools can provide, including example measurement items. In this way, schools and districts can self-assess as well as identify action steps to promote positive school-family partnerships for equitable family engagement. Without consistent attendance, schools cannot support positive educational outcomes nor provide important safety net services for students. Attendance is a family engagement challenge, which addressing holistically can reduce racial and socioeconomic educational and health disparities.

Context-Based Teaching through Education for Sustainable Development in Philippine Secondary Schools: A Meta-analysis

Integrating sustainability into pedagogical strategies can potentially catalyze the promotion of sustainable development knowledge and practices, thus making it an imperative trend for educational institutions. The context-based teaching through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) was instrumental in achieving sustainability competencies and in bringing positive education outcomes in various educational milieus. Studies on its implementation in the Philippine context are still limited. This paper examines the effectiveness of Context-Based Teaching (CBT) through ESD on the science performance of secondary students in the Philippines. It reviewed pedagogical strategies applied to embed Sustainable Competencies (SCs) in the teaching-learning process. Results revealed its effectiveness and highlighted key SCs that were mostly developed and those that were least emphasized. However, the indicated variables did not influence its effectiveness. For further research, other indicators of learning that may potentially affect its successful implementation can be critically investigated.

Academic rank, socioeconomic rank, and educational outcomes: longitudinal evidence from Chile

ABSTRACT Whilst a growing literature has documented the link between academic rank and educational progression, the effect of socioeconomic rank on these outcomes has been largely neglected. Using longitudinal data and exploiting the idiosyncratic variation in test score distributions across secondary school classes, I analyze the impact of within-class academic and socioeconomic rank on educational outcomes in Chile. I show that being relatively advantaged (socioeconomically or academically) compared to one’s classmates leads to a greater likelihood of positive educational progression outcomes. Results suggest socioeconomic rank is not simply proxying the influence of within-class academic rank on young people’s educational progression.

The Role of Science Teachers in the Implementation of Quality School based Assessments in Selected Zambian Secondary Schools

The introduction of School based Assessments in Zambia were aimed at improving the teaching and learning as well as raise the bar of students performance in the country. However, the implementation of SBA in secondary schools faces unique challenges, particularly in the context of Zambia, exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the implementation of SBA in science subjects within selected Zambian schools, aiming to develop an evidence-based framework for sustaining the quality delivery of SBA in science education. Through a comprehensive investigation, this research examined the alignment of SBA practices with guidelines and identified gaps in implementation processes. Key objectives included assessing the evaluation of SBA policy since its rollout, examining administration processes, identifying challenges faced by stakeholders, and proposing interventions for improvement. Methodologically, the study employed tools such as questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions to collect data. Qualitative data was analysed thematically while quantitative data was analysed using SPSS tool. Research findings revealed that teachers perceived SBA as a process of enhancing teaching and learning of science through the conduct of experiments which in turn improved teachers’ capacity and confidence in handling practical lessons. SBA provided teachers with an opportunity to closely monitor learners’ strengths and weaknesses as well as checking progress of learning. However, a considerable number of teachers held that SBA was an additional load onto their already burdened schedules but mandated to implement it as it was policy. Low staffing levels, time allocated to each science period, the number of tasks, inadequate laboratories and apparatus, resource constraints, high levels of enrolment resulting from positive response of Free Education Policy, many classes to teach by one teacher and lack of motivation, dominated the challenges faced by teachers in SBA implementation. The categorization of SBA revealed a duty-bound approach towards SBA (symbolic compliance), as SBA marks were mandatory for totalling learners’ final marks at the end of secondary school level. The study's recommendations aimed to enhance SBA implementation and foster positive educational outcomes. Furthermore, suggestions for future research include exploring the long-term impact of SBAs on academic performance, conducting comparative studies across different subjects, investigating technology integration, and exploring stakeholder perspectives. The research has contributed valuable insights to the discourse on educational assessment practices, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and strategic actions to improve science education in Zambian schools and beyond.

Enhancing sense of belonging in nursing student clinical placements to advance learning and identity development

Clinical placements are considered one of the “hallmarks” of nursing education. In these settings, students can build upon their theoretical learning by applying knowledge, practicing skills, connecting with nurses and other medical professionals, and creating opportunities to work with diverse populations. As a result, students begin to hone their nurse identity, and build confidence and self-esteem. Importantly, the development of a nursing identity through clinical placement work is improved by integrating opportunities that increase belongingness. Campus climate plays a significant role in creating the environment necessary for belongingness to flourish and leads to enhanced student learning. Taking the role of positive campus climate into consideration, this article argues that instructors supervising undergraduate nursing students in clinical learning environments must create inclusive climates for their students to increase positive educational outcomes. Specific recommendations for creating inclusive clinical learning environments are provided.

Using a Blended Learning Approach to Encourage Course Interaction in a First-Year Business Communication Module

The aim of the study is to examine the effectiveness of blended learning in encouraging course interaction amongst first-year students studying a business communication module. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the increased use of blended learning as a teaching approach to encourage learning regardless of the location. Existing research on blended learning suggests its value in promoting increased student engagement, ultimately contributing to positive educational outcomes. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey whereby a questionnaire was distributed to the respondents using Google Forms. Data was analysed on the same platform. Cross-tabulation was used to understand the relationships between factors in participants’ responses to the questions. Results indicate that blended learning successfully drives course interaction because the combination of class-based and online engagement positively impacts how likely students are to engage in course content. This paper makes a valuable contribution in the form of underscoring a pressing need for research that is aimed at understanding how blended learning shapes the experiences students have with their modules, as well as how these factors may shape current practices in blended learning. Most students indicated that they would recommend blended learning as it increased participation and engagement with their course content.

Pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education in mental health: a scoping review.

One in eight patients is affected by a mental health condition, and interprofessional mental health teams collaborate to improve patient care. While pharmacists and social workers are recognized as mental health team members, there is a lack of literature describing interprofessional relations and education between these professions, especially as it pertains to mental health. The purpose of this review was to identify and characterize reports describing pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education within mental health. To address this knowledge gap, this scoping review was conducted to collect and characterize reports published between January 1, 1960 and August 18, 2023 describing pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education within the field of mental health. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were followed. Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Social Work Abstracts were searched using keywords "pharmacy student," "pharmacist," "social work student," "social worker," and "social work." Reports were included if they were published in English and interprofessional relations or education occurred directly between (student) pharmacists and social workers. Three hundred twenty records were identified and three records were included: one cross sectional study, one qualitative educational project, and one case report. Each record suggested positive patient and/or educational outcomes developing from pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education. In clinical practice, pharmacist-social work teams identified mental health risk factors, reduced 30-day readmissions, and improved post-discharge telehealth care. In the classroom, a social worker improved pharmacy students' confidence assessing patient suicidal ideations. This scoping review identified needs and areas for future research: pharmacist interprofessional education with Master of Social Work and Doctor of Social Work degree students, transitional care and mental health outcome measure reporting using evidence-based outcomes, and development of scholarly teaching projects utilizing higher-level educational frameworks beyond learner reactions.

What would it take? Enhancing outcomes for high-ability students with disability

A troubling misconception exists that high-ability is enough to ensure positive educational, mental health and well-being outcomes for gifted students. Of course, we want all our students to develop their potential in school, so why are so many of our more able children failing in school and enduring the repercussions of reduced well-being? The notion that a student is not highly able if they are receiving poor grades is a common societal misconception, and this is commonly the case for gifted learners with disability, also known as twice-exceptional students. A considerable number of school students globally have intellectual ability in the gifted range, a high number of those are gifted with co-occurring disability, and many remain unidentified. It is, therefore, likely that a significant percentage of our classrooms have students who may be flying under the radar and are likely to be underachieving or unsupported within the school system. The purpose of this article is to highlight the issues around gifted students with disability that may contribute to their underachievement. Also discussed is how educators, counsellors and other key stakeholders can support this unique population of students.

Development and validation of School Resilience Questionnaire (SRQ) in Iranian adolescents

BackgroundSchool resilience, encompassing factors like teacher involvement and school supportiveness, is crucial for positive educational outcomes in adolescents. However, few validated scales measure school resilience. This study aimed to develop and validate the School Resilience Questionnaire (SRQ) for Iranian adolescents.MethodsThe study used a cross-sectional design. The SRQ was developed through expert reviews, interviews with students, and evaluation of existing resilience measures. After expert feedback, the final 55-item questionnaire was used. Participants were high school adolescents from Tehran, Iran (2021–2022). A multi-stage cluster random sampling approach was used. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) involved 200 students, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) included 310 students to validate the factor structure. Convergent validity was assessed by examining correlations with academic support, while divergent validity was evaluated using academic burnout measures. Construct validity and reliability were also assessed.ResultsEFA revealed six consistent factors across the sample. CFA confirmed significant and acceptable factor loadings for all SRQ items. Fit indices were RMSEA = 0.076; SRMR = 0.070, CFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.93, IFI = 0.94, RFI = 0.93. Convergent validity showed positive correlations between SRQ subscales and academic support. Divergent validity showed negative correlations between SRQ subscales and academic burnout (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study successfully developed and validated the 55-item SRQ for Iranian adolescents. The questionnaire demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties, making it a valuable tool for research and evaluation purposes in this context.

Trends in diversity-related learning among secondary schools in 35 US states, 2014-2018.

School Health Profiles (Profiles) is a national surveillance system operated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A school-based system of surveys, Profiles monitors school health policies and practices in US states and other jurisdictions through questionnaires completed by school principals and lead health education teachers. This study used the Profiles principal survey to identify trends in US schools' implementation of diversity-related learning opportunities (i.e., opportunities to learn about people who are different from them) in secondary classroom and extracurricular settings. Logistic regression models using data from three cycles of School Health Profiles from 35 US states examined trends in the percentages of secondary schools offering students diversity-related learning opportunities in the following settings, each measured by using dichotomous yes/no response options: a) clubs; b) lessons in class; and c) special events (e.g., multicultural week, family night) sponsored by the school or community organisations. During 2014-2018, no states experienced decreases in opportunities for students to learn about people who are different from them; most states demonstrated no significant change. Findings suggest efforts are needed to strengthen capacity for and prioritisation of policies, programmes, and practices promoting diversity and culturally relevant education in schools, and in turn, promote positive health and educational outcomes for youth.

Continuous professional development strategies of Nepali secondary principals: navigating challenges in changing times

ABSTRACT This article delves into the ‘continuous professional development’ (CPD) strategies of three Nepali public secondary principals in complex settings. Through semi-structured interviews, the case studies reveal key CPD themes such as academic qualifications, contextual learning, collaborative networking, leadership training, critical self-reflection, and spiritual dimensions aligned with contextual expectations. The research reinforces the importance of networking and collaboration, in providing targeted CPD for principals, necessitating the negotiation of cultural sensitivities. These insights carry vital implications for school leadership in Nepal and similar international contexts, providing strategies to ensure positive educational outcomes.

Integrated approach to education management: Innovative strategies and methods in combining pedagogy and management in a modern school

ObjectivesA scientific article entitled 'Integrated Approach to Education Management: Innovative Strategies and Methods in Combining Pedagogy and Management' discusses the complexity of educational management in the context of contemporary challenges. The authors examine how innovation can affect the effectiveness and efficiency of education systems. They pay attention to key aspects such as system adaptability, cultural diversity and technological support in teaching.Material and methodsA variety of research methods were used in the article, including literature analysis, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and case studies. The data set comes from a variety of sources, including official databases, a survey of teachers and students, and direct observation. The research methodology has been designed in such a way as to take into account both quantitative and qualitative aspects, which enables a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of education management.ResultsThe results of the study indicate several key aspects of education management that have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the system. It has been identified that innovation in management is strongly associated with positive educational outcomes. It has also been noted that education systems that are more open to innovation have higher student performance and outcomes.ConclusionsThe article ends with a synthesis of the results and recommendations for practice and further research. It was emphasized that education management is a complex process that requires an integrated approach and taking into account many variables. It was also emphasized that innovation and effective management are key elements in achieving success in education.

Modifiable factors contributing to belongingness of undergraduate nursing students in the clinical learning environment: An exploratory study

BackgroundBelongingness has been tied to positive personal and educational outcomes in undergraduate nursing students in the clinical learning environment, but there is limited literature on specific factors that promote these important feelings of acceptance and value alignment. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess demographic characteristics, program/clinical structure factors, and modifiable clinical setting factors that may impact feelings of belongingness in U.S. undergraduate nursing students in the clinical learning environment. DesignA cross-sectional survey design was used to assess the relationship between demographics, program/clinical structure factors, and modifiable clinical setting factors and levels of belongingness using the U.S. version of the Belongingness Scale – Clinical Placement Experience. SettingA national study was conducted via the National Student Nurses Association database from December 2022 to January 2023. Participants759 volunteer undergraduate nursing students in the U.S. who had completed at least one clinical course. MethodsAn online survey was disseminated to assess demographic factors, program/clinical structure factors, students’ perceptions on the frequency of occurrence and perceived value of modifiable clinical setting factors (including clinical format, clinical site, relationship and interpersonal, and miscellaneous factors), and to measure levels of belongingness experienced. ResultsBivariate analyses revealed one statistically significant program/clinical structure factor (p <.001) and 10 statistically significant modifiable clinical setting factors (p <.001) that contribute to belongingness. The findings also support the use of the U.S. version of the BES-CPE as a reliable and valid instrument. ConclusionsResults demonstrate the importance of fostering belongingness in undergraduate nursing students in the clinical learning environment and, for the first time, extrapolate qualitative findings from the literature into the identification of factors that contribute to these critical feelings of inclusion. There are immediate implications for nursing educators and a rich foundation for future intervention research is proposed.

Piloting building early sentences therapy for pre-school children with low language abilities: An examination of efficacy and the role of sign as an active ingredient.

Early intervention is recommended for pre-school children with low language. However, few robustly evaluated language interventions for young children exist. Furthermore, in many interventions the theoretical underpinnings are underspecified and the 'active ingredients' of the interventions not tested. This paper presents a quasi-experimental study to test the efficacy and examine the active ingredients of Building Early Sentences Therapy (BEST): an intervention based on usage-based theory designed to support young children to understand and produce two-, three- and four-clause element sentences. BEST manipulates the input children hear to support them to harness the cognitive mechanisms hypothesized in usage-based theories to promote the development of abstract linguistic representations. One such input manipulation is the use of signing alongside verbal input signalling both content and morphology of target sentences. To examine whether (1) BEST is more efficacious than treatment as usual (TAU); and (2) signing of content and morphology is an active ingredient of the intervention. A quasi-experimental study recruited children aged 3;5-4;5 years from 13 schools. Schools were assigned to receive either BEST with sign, BEST without sign or TAU. The TAU group received their usual classroom provision. Across arms schools were matched with respect to classroom oral language environment and indices of deprivation. Participants were 48 children (28 boys) with expressive and/or receptive language abilities ≤ 16th centile measured using the New Reynell Developmental Language Scales (NRDLS). Outcomes gathered by researchers blind to treatment arm were NRDLS production and comprehension standard scores and measures of production of targeted sentence structures. Primary outcomes indicate that BEST with sign was significantly more efficacious than TAU with respect to NRDLS production standard score, but not comprehension. The advantage for production was maintained at follow-up. BEST without sign was significantly more efficacious than TAU on measures of targeted vocabulary, sentence structure and morphology. The results from this quasi-experimental study provide evidence for the efficacy of a usage-based intervention on expressive language outcomes for preschool children with low language abilities. There is also evidence to support the inclusion of sign as an active ingredient, and so efforts to train interventionists in its use are worthwhile. Patterns of findings across outcomes suggest signing of content and morphology may support the development of abstract linguistic representations and accelerate language learning. Given these positive results and the scale of this study, a fully powered randomized controlled trial is warranted. What is already known on the subject Robust language skills are crucial for positive social, emotional, academic and economic outcomes across the lifespan. There is a paucity of robustly evaluated interventions for preschool children with language difficulties. The development of such interventions is crucial for ameliorating language difficulties and promoting positive educational and psychosocial outcomes. What this study adds to the existing knowledge This paper evaluates BEST, a novel usage-based language intervention targeting children with language difficulties in the early years. Findings indicate that a usage-based intervention is efficacious for treating language difficulties. In particular, BEST benefited expressive language development, bringing benefits to both treated and untreated language structures and improving standard scores. The role of sign as an active ingredient is also supported. Further evaluation is warranted. What are the practical and clinical implications of this work? Findings suggest that BEST may be effective for targeting children who have been identified as having language difficulties. In particular, expressive language may be improved when the intervention is delivered as it was originally manualized, including a signing system to represent content and grammatical morphology. More broadly, these findings also provide preliminary evidence that the use of a signing system does not hinder oral language development in children with language difficulties and may conversely support their expressive language. Future research exploring the role and underpinning mechanisms of sign in language intervention is warranted.

What Predicts Undergraduate Students' Decision to Pursue a Career in Biomedical/Behavioral Research within an Upper-Division Research Training Program? A Study of Trainees' Science Identity and Educational Outcomes.

This study examined how science identity and positive educational outcomes relate to student trainees' decision to pursue a research career in health-related sciences, within the context of a two-year research training program that prepares diverse undergraduate students for a research career. In analyses using the evaluation data, science identity and one of the positive educational outcomes significantly predicted trainees' decision to pursue a research career in biomedical and behavioral sciences. In general, students with stronger science identity and interest in pursuing research in academia exhibited a firmer decision to pursue a research career in sciences. In a separate analysis that examined the associations between the trainees' decision to pursue a health-related research career and their underrepresented minority identities, gender, and disciplinary track, results revealed that: (1) the interaction between trainees' disciplinary track (i.e., biomedical vs. behavioral sciences) and their total number of underrepresented minority status was associated with their decision to pursue a research career, but (2) the gender x disciplinary track interaction was not. Emphasizing the need for supporting diverse undergraduate trainees to solidify their science identity and prepare them for a research career in academia, we discuss implications of our findings for research training programs with similar aims.

Influence of Physical Activity, SES`, Perceived Safety, and Demographic Factors on the GPA of Latinx Students: Results from the High School Longitudinal Study

Physical Activity is an important contributor to health, both physical and cognitive. The relationship between physical activity and educational outcomes has been explored in various venues. Little research, however, has interrogated this subject longitudinally, especially for a national sample of Latinx students. To make up that gap, this paper employs data from the High School Longitudinal Study (HSLS), hierarchical regression modeling, and intersectionality theory to study and evaluate the relative impact of Extracurricular Activities, School Attitudes, and impact of demographics on Personal Health and Physical Education Grade Point Average (GPA); the participants were 1,829 Latinx high school students. The High School Longitudinal Study is a nationally representative, longitudinal study of ninth graders followed through their secondary and postsecondary years. Further, we examined the results separately for male and female Latinx students, to achieve a better understanding of physical activity and academic achievement from the female perspective. Our findings reinforce the importance of participating in sports and extracurricular activities in fostering positive educational outcomes for Latinx students, male, and female, nationally. Finally, recommendations are offered to parents, community leaders, teachers, school administrators, and policymakers regarding implementation strategies to optimize the benefits of Physical Activity to Latinx students.