Pittsburgh Obesity Prevention Initiative (POPI): Lessons Learned

Staff development is a common feature of public education, and is an important aspect of the continued development of physical education teachers after their initial certification. Little is known about staff development efforts in physical education, especially at the high school level. Participation in physical activity declines with age, and by the time students reach high school most do not achieve national recommendations. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the Pittsburgh Obesity Prevention Initiative (POPI), with particular emphasis on lessons learned in at the high school level. POPI was a 4-year collaboration involving a school district, an external funding agent, three universities, and a private sector staff development team. The main intervention was conducted by SPARK (Sports Play and Active Recreation for Kids), a research-based staff development program and involved 7 high schools from Pittsburgh Public School District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Date were generated (a) using teacher-reported feedback on the program and the staff development process (b) direct observation of lessons in the 7 schools over two years using SOFIT (System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time), and (c) interviews with key informants. Results indicated high teacher satisfaction with the intervention process as well as high levels of physical activity during PE classes (i.e., over 50% MVPA). Numerous barriers to conducting and assessing staff development on a limited budget were identified.