Evaluating the implementation and impact of improving the quality physical education in Denver public schools

INTRODUCTION: In April 2011, Colorado passed a law requiring all public elementary schools to provide a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity per school day. Denver Public Schools (DPS), a leader and early adopter in improving the quality of physical education (PE) in its schools, has instituted a series of teacher trainings to improve the quality of PE, targeting a total of 90 pre K-12 schools and 55,738 students. Through Denver's Community Transformation Grant (CTG), we are evaluating the implementation and impact of this policy on physical activity and obesity in DPS students. METHODS: Designed as a modified time series design, with multiple measures over the course of CTG, we are measuring (1) change in the quality of PE using data from the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) and (2) changes in student health using BMI data and self-reported physical activity. RESULTS: Although only in year 2 of a multi-year evaluation, we will present findings to date on the implementation of the PE policy and baseline measures of physical activity and obesity of DPS students. DISCUSSION: Implementation of policy to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity in schools can play an important role in obesity prevention.