Video case studies to ignite a physical education movement

National recommendations call for 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and California law mandates that elementary students receive 200 minutes of physical education (PE) every 10 days. PE teaches skills for lifelong physical activity (PA). When students are physically fit they perform better academically, have fewer behavior problems and better health. Despite benefits, there is a lack of understanding of the importance of PE among educators and parents. Few schools meet minimum state mandates. A recent assessment of PE in San Francisco showed that only 20% of elementary schools meet state mandates. Teachers reported multiple barriers to PE, including lack of time, no professional development and pressure to focus only on academics. In collaboration with San Francisco Unified School District, 19 teachers were recruited to participate in PE Champion case studies and four were selected for their use of best practices and leadership. They will be featured in video case studies. Highlights may include overcoming obstacles to quality PE instruction, creating a dynamic PA school culture, techniques for incorporating PA into academic lessons, and successfully transferring skills from a PE Specialist. As a multimedia advocacy tool aimed at teachers, administrators, parents, funders and the public, the video case studies will showcase the importance of prioritizing PE, not only for health, but for enhancing academics and class performance. In a climate of diminishing budgets and competing priorities, advocacy is needed to support teachers in implementing quality PE instruction.