Los Angeles Unified School District Physical Education Policy: Assessment, Implementation & Impact

This study assesses implementation of a district policy to improve physical education in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). LAUSD serves 670,000 students, four-fifths of whom are Latino or African-American and three-quarters qualify for free-/reduced price meals. Formally adopted in the fall 2009 as a result of a community campaign to address inequities across the district, the plan aims to enforce existing requirements for minimum minutes of PE, PE content, class size caps, and teacher credentialing.

A stratified random sample of 35 LAUSD schools (elementary, middle, and high) was drawn from the highest and lowest quintiles of schools based on percentage of students eligible for free-/reduced price meals (FRPM). Eighteen control schools with similar FRPM rates were randomly selected from other nearby districts. Primary data were collected using 1) the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) to determine amount of class time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 2) direct observation of PE class length, content and size, and 3) interviews with school personnel documenting PE curriculum used, frequency of classes, teacher credentials and awareness of the implementation plan.

Analysis of outcomes compares LAUSD schools with controls, as well as high and low income schools. Preliminary results reveal that LAUSD schools are implementing PE requirements to varying degrees. This study provides much-needed evidence as to whether school districts can successfully implement a policy that positively impacts the provision of PE and improve the health and physical fitness of students.