Supporting school decision-makers to strengthen physical activity in schools: A public health and education collaborative

Background:

Schools are in a unique position to provide safe physical activity opportunities before, during and after the school day.

Purpose

The California School Boards Association (CSBA) and California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition) will highlight their work with school decision-makers to implement policies to improve physical activity opportunities for students. Resources and materials, such as sample policies and case studies, which focus on the board members' role in developing collaborative approaches to strengthen physical activity in schools will be discussed.

Significance

Schools with numerous opportunities for physical activity see an increase in students' concentration, a reduction in disruptive behaviors, improved test scores, and can contribute to the prevention of obesity and chronic disease. School decision makers can address these issues through the implementation of policies that support physical activity.

Methodology

Formative research, including a environmental scan and survey with California school board members was conducted to identify perceived barriers and opportunities to develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive policies that address physical activity.

Findings/Results

Findings will be presented that describe: the key barriers and challenges to improving physical activity in schools, strategies to overcome those barriers, and opportunities for school involvement including strategies such as safe routes to schools, school siting, joint use agreements, before and after school programming, recess, moderate-to-vigorous levels of physical activity in PE, and community engagement.

Conclusions/Recommendations

The session will highlight the role and responsibilities of school board members and other stakeholders in developing collaborative solutions to addressing the physical activity needs of students.