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Action Steps for Implementing Physical Education
High-quality
physical education programs are an integral part of any coordinated school health program
(CSHP). In childhood and adolescence, regular participation in physical activity
helps prevent many chronic diseases and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle.1
Unfortunately, many schools are decreasing the availability of physical education programs
and daily recess are on.
From 1991 to 1999, the percentage of students who attended
daily physical education classes declined from 42% to 29%. The majority of high
school students take physical education for only one year between 9th and 12th
grades.2 Currently, only 8% of elementary schools, 6% of middle/junior
high schools, and 6% of senior high schools provide daily physical education, or it’s
equivalent, for the entire school year.
To
remedy this situation, we need to know that everyone can do something about promoting and
implementing physical education into a CSHP and why this is important. With
standards based achievement now mandatory for all schools, research shows that increased
physical activity leads to higher test scores in math, reading and writing, increased
concentration in class, and a decrease in disruptive behavior.3 This
research reveals that schools need to be where youth learn the benefits of and participate
in a quality physical education program. Achieving this can be as simple as
mandating daily recess periods and extracurricular activities, such as after-school
competitive sports, into school policy. Below you will find action steps and
resources to help implement physical education into a CSHP.
Actions for Schools
- Provide effective, enjoyable instructional programs of
physical education, preferably daily, for all students in kindergarten through grade 12
based on a written curriculum consistent with national standards for physical education.
- Offer programs that meet the needs of special populations
- Ensure that physical education is taught by a qualified
teacher with a degree in physical education
- Provide teachers with in-service training in physical
activity promotion and coaches with appropriate coaching competencies
- Provide formal instruction in physical education for a
minimum of 150 minutes per week for elementary school and 225 minutes per week for middle
and high school
- Make sure indoor and outdoor facilities are adequate, clean,
safe and open to students during non-school hours and vacations
- Have technology incorporated on a regular and continuing
basis
- Develop and enforce policies that support physical education
- Secure adequate funds to provide enough equipment for every
student to participate
- Create an environment that supports physical activity as
part of a coordinated school health program
- Involve families and communities in the promotion of
physical activity
- Systematically assess physical education programs and the
outcomes of physical education programs and use the results for program improvement
Actions for State and National
Organizations and Colleges and Universities
- Promote physical activity as a measure to prevent chronic
disease
- Collaborate with local agencies to share best practices and
effective solutions
- Develop and disseminate assessment systems that individuals
can use to determine their health and fitness status
- Allow third-party reimbursement for health care providers
who regularly assess and counsel children and their families about physical activity
- Provide incentives through health insurance and employee
wellness programs to students and school staff who engage in active lifestyles
- Develop guidelines that recommend the frequency, duration,
and quality of offerings in physical education and hold schools accountable for meeting
those guidelines
- Adopt and enforce certification requirements that are
consistent with national standards for those who teach physical education and provide
staff development
- Ensure quality of school buildings and facilities used for
students' and school staff's physical activities and provide funds for construction of
safe facilities for physical activity
- Refine and enhance the quality of pre-service and in-service
education that addresses physical education as a component of a multidisciplinary
coordinated school health program
- Fund or conduct research that can inform and support school
physical education
- Include in the health care reform agenda incentives for
participation in physical activity
Actions for Families and
Communities
- Advocate for physical education classes and after-school
programs that are attractive to all students by encouraging school administrators and
board members to support activities that promote lifelong physical fitness, not just
competitive sports
- Make sure the physical education program includes adequate
student participation in practices and contests with no discrimination based on ability,
gender or race
- Volunteer to help children's sports teams and recreation
programs
- Teach children safety rules and make sure that they have the
clothing and equipment needed to participate safely in physical activity
- Ensure that physical facilities meet or exceed safety
standards
- Work with schools, businesses, and community groups to
ensure that low-income young people have transportation and appropriate equipment for
physical activity programs
- Communicate with schools, teachers and coaches about
appropriate physical education including competitive sports teams
Adapted by permission of the publisher from Marx, E.
& Wooley, S. F. (Eds.) (1998). Health is academic: A guide to coordinated school
health programs. New York: Teachers College Press. © 1998 by Education Development
Center, Inc. All rights reserved.
1Journal
of School Health Vol. 71, No. 7, SHPPS 2000: School Health Policies and Programs Study
2Action for Healthy Kids Fact Sheet Nutrition, Physical Activity and
Achievement
3ibid
Action steps were updated (2002) and adapted from the National Association for Sport & Physical
Education It's Time for Your School's Physical Education Checkup: How Are You
Doing? and CDC's School Health Program Guidelines Promoting Lifelong
Physical Activity Amount Young People
For a more detailed discussion of Physical Education, see
the book Health Is Academic.
Resources
Fact Sheet: Nutrition, Physical
Activity and Achievement, Action for Healthy Kids
Guidelines for School and
Community Programs to Promote Lifelong Physical Activity Among Young People, CDC
National
Standards for Physical Education, NASPE
Physical
Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, Office of the Surgeon
General
Promoting
Better Health for Young People Through Physical Activity and Sports, CDC
SHI:
School Health Index, CDC
Related Links
American
Association for Active Lifestyles & Fitness
American College of Sports
Medicine
American Heart
Association
National Association
for Sport and Physical Education
National Center for
Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
President's Council for
Physical Fitness and Sports
For other organizations that support school health,
click on Links. |
