Who's keeping score? PERK: Physical Education Research for Kids- A statewide assessment on the quantity and quality of physical education/activity in California schools

Background: The absence of physical activity (PA) and physical education (PE) in California schools contributes greatly to the state's epidemic of youth obesity. Though California State Law is clear on the number of grade level PE minutes, more than 51% of CA districts do not meet the minimum standard of 200 minutes of PE every 10 school days for elementary students. Although the school system has received much of the blame, little research has examined the multitude of barriers affecting PE and PA in schools from a statewide perspective. Surprisingly, PE is an untouched market for legislators. Funded by the California Endowment and Kaiser Permanente, PERK conducted a statewide research assessment examining the status of PE and PA in K-12 schools. Methods: Statewide mixed methods assessment was conducted between March 2009- August 2009 and included a survey (n.> 700) and key informant interviews and focus groups (n> 79) with PE representatives from all 8 state regions. Results: Most significant finding: physical education professionals seek administrative accountability at all levels: local and state for the improvement of PE; elementary school teachers are relied on significantly to teach PE in CA elementary schools, are untrained, and struggle to find time for PE and PA due to pressure from NCLB. Secondary PE professionals reported class sizes of 1:80 students and many physical and environmental barriers. Conclusion: Information collected informed a policy committee made up of state experts and state level polices were proposed to policy makers during a legislative hearing in February 2010.