282284
A view from the field: Implementation, evaluation and sustainability of comprehensive school physical activity programs
Nancy O'Hara Tompkins, PhD,
Prevention Research Center; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Eloise Elliott, PhD,
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Background: Schools are an important setting to provide multiple physical activity opportunities for youth. The Comprehensive School Physical Activity programs (CSPA) framework provides a menu of options for schools to implement, including active transport initiatives, physical education, recess, physical activity breaks and movement-based instruction, and intramurals or physical activity clubs. Purpose: This presentation will describe the implementation of CSPA initiatives funded from 2007-2012 by West Virginia on the Move (WVOM), a statewide organization dedicated to promoting physical activity. Schools received up to $5000 and were responsible for implementation and evaluation. Significance: Understanding program implementation, evaluation and sustainability can help schools and funders better articulate expectations, experiences and establish realistic goals and objectives. Methodology: A retrospective content analysis is being conducted on 37 schools funded to improve school based physical activity opportunities. Variables include school demographics, CSPA program component(s) implemented, evaluation methods used and results. Implementation and evaluation patterns across schools will be identified. Additionally, a sustainability survey is being administered to determine the extent of program sustainability and to identify challenges and facilitators. Findings/Results: The majority (67.4%) of funded schools were elementary, followed by middle (21%) and high school (11.6%). Locales primarily were rural (46.9%), and also included 21.9% town, 18.8% city and 12.5% suburban schools; half were high poverty (>50% free and reduced meals participation). Results will shed light on the scope of implementation of CSPA program components and the underlying challenges associated with sustaining school-based physical activity initiatives. Conclusion/Recommendations: Recommendations for implementation, evaluation and sustainability will be discussed.
Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Learning Objectives:
Describe components of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity program.
Describe West Virginia on the Move and its role in increasing physical activity opportunities in schools and communities.
Identify implementation and evaluation strategies and results.
Identify facilitator and barriers to program sustainability.
Keyword(s): Physical Activity, School-Based Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have my Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology and have had training on increasing physical activity and decreasing obesity. Currently I am a Master of Public Health candidate at West Virginia University. I am the 2013 intern for the West Virginia On the Move organization, specifically focusing with Schools On the Move. We are working with schools around the state to increase and evaluate physical activity within students, staff and communities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
