Failing Fitness: Results from a study of physical education and physical activity environments in California schools

The aim of this study was to describe the range of PE instruction and PE resources in California public schools, and to identify factors associated with higher levels of physical activity at school. We observed P.E. classes in a sample of 29 schools across California (9 elementary, 10 middle, 20 high schools). Schools were selected from districts paired by region and socio-economic status, with one district in each pair scoring in the bottom tertile on the aerobic portion of the statewide FITNESSGRAM test and one district scoring in the top tertile. Data were collected using a modified SOFIT tool (McKenzie, et al., 1991) to directly observe what happens in PE classes, supplemented by an audit of school facilities and a survey of key stakeholders.

We found that secondary school physical education classes are generally compliant with state regulations for a minimum amount of instruction time. Elementary school compliance was more problematic.

Approximately 40% of class-time in the observed P.E. classes in secondary schools was spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), slightly below the CDC-recommended level of 50%. The percentage of time in MVPA dropped as class size increased above 35 students per class. Policy strategies to help assure sufficient quantity and quality of P.E. include increased utilization of P.E. specialists at the elementary level and P.E. class size limits at the secondary level. Additional teacher training and sharing of best practices can also help teachers maximize the amount of PE class time used to engage students in physical activity.