COD E R E D

eduction in reading test scores compared with controls. Regarding level of fitness and academicperformance, the California Department of Education has demonstrated a significant linear associationbetween standardized test scores (Stanford Achievement Test Ninth Edition [SAT-9]) and their fitnessscores. A dose-response effect was noted for all grades studied where the highest SAT-9 scores werereported by students who met three or more standard levels among the six physical fitness measures,particularly among females, and particularly for mathematics rather than for reading scores. Whilephysical activity may be very important for preventing obesity and diabetes in children, it most likely willalso improve academic performance.School-Based Asthma Management InterventionsThe effectiveness of programs for asthma management has been well documented in a series of welldesignedstudies. Not only was absenteeism reduced but test scores improved in a number of areas.While Texas has policies that address environmental triggers of asthmatic episodes, there is no writtenpolicy on asthma education programs for children or staff or recommendations for schools to considerthem.• Based on compelling evidence, we recommend that Texas schools adopt asthmamanagement education for affected children and support staff.Section 3. The Economic Impact of AbsenteeismAnother concluding consideration is how chronic health conditions affect attendance and ultimately schoolfunding. If chronic conditions increase absenteeism, they also result in a cost burden for schools, giventhat student attendance rates influence school funding. We sought to determine the formula that theTexas Education Agency uses to allocate funds for Texas school districts. Table 9 shows the impact ofattendance on school district revenue. The results are calculated under three different assumptions aboutthe state revenue share, since it varies by district; the 40.8% typically used is the state average acrossdistricts. Based on that formula we estimate the daily cost for one student’s absence is between $17 and$18. Table 10 compares estimates of per-pupil/per-day costs from several independent resources. Also,if average daily attendance is increased by 1%, Texas school districts could receive an additional $130million from the state. Table 10, shows the range of estimates available. To be sure, interventions thatreduce absenteeism for less than about $18 per student will pay for themselves, over and above thebenefits brought to the children they serve.E-49