Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program

Let’s Move in School Goal To ensure that every school provides a comprehensive school physical activity program with quality physical education as the foundation so that youth will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime.

AAHPERD and LMIS The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) supports the goal of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let's Move campaign. Pledge to give teachers, principals, superintendents, school boards, and parents the support they need to help our kids to become more physically educated and active in school.

What is a CSPAP? Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) School districts and schools utilize all opportunities for school-based physical activity to develop physically educated students who participate in the nationally-recommended 60+ minutes of physical activity each day and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime.

PE is the Foundation Physical education is the foundation of a CSPAP. It is the academic subject that provides standards-based instruction on motor/movement knowledge and skills, physical activity and fitness knowledge and skills, personal and social responsibility, and valuing physical activity for its many benefits. Students become physically educated through the provision of quality physical education and a variety of opportunities to practice and enjoy physical activity both within and outside of school.

CSPAP Goals Provide a variety of school-based physical activity opportunities that enable all students to participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to- vigorous physical activity each day. Provide coordination among the CSPAP components to maximize understanding, application, and practice of the knowledge and skills learned in physical education so that all students will be fully physically educated and well- equipped for a lifetime of physical activity.

Why Implement a CSPAP? 1. Evidence shows that physically active students have better learning readiness, attention, fewer behavior issues, and ultimately better academic outcomes. (CDC. The association between school based physical activity, including physical education, and academic performance. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2010.) 2.Children and adolescents need 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity each day. (CDC. Physical Activity for Everyone; 3. Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese. (From: data from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES).) They are more likely than youth of normal weight to become overweight or obese adults. (From: citation: U.S. Surgeon General. Overweight and Obesity: Health Consequences. Rockville: MD; 2001.)

Breaking Down the CSPAP Components

Physical Education Implement a standards-based curriculum that includes a clear scope and sequence. Identify clear objectives (i.e., psychomotor, cognitive, and affective) for each physical education lesson. Provide instruction in a wide variety of skills related to sport, lifetime activities, and fitness.

Physical Activity During the School Day Include a healthy living tip or quote as part of each morning’s announcements. Provide short (5- to 10-minute) physical activity breaks during long stretches of seated instruction. Provide all secondary school students with drop-in recess activities so they can be active during their lunch or free periods.

Physical Activity Before and After School Create safe opportunities for students to walk and bike to school in collaboration with parents and community organizations. Open and supervise physical activity facilities (e.g., weight room and fitness center) for staff and student use before and after school. Organize physical activity clubs and intramural sports to encourage physical activity participation by students of all abilities.

Staff Involvement Conduct a staff needs assessment to identify health-related needs and work with local organizations (e.g., hospitals, wellness centers, and fitness clubs) to address those needs. Hold walk-and-talk meetings with colleagues. Provide staff professional development on creating opportunities for physical activity in the classroom.

Family and Community Involvement Include physical education and physical activity information on the school website and in each school newsletter. Invite community participation in special events (e.g., Fitness Night and 5K run/walk). Teach students how to use community physical activity resources such as the recreation center, bike path, and boating facility.

Let’s Move in School – Superintendents and School Boards Toolkit For use by members of the school board, superintendent’s office, and/or other school district level staff to assess the district’s current comprehensive school physical activity program. Once the current status is assessed, districts are encouraged to set goals to improve their CSPAP. A model policy is provided for comparison with current policy and for setting goals for improvement in future policy.

CSPAP Inventory Results Component# of “Yes” answers/#of total items Intro Section X/5 (3+ is adequate) Physical Education X/7 (*first 7 items are most critical items) X/9 (5+ is adequate) Physical Activity During School X/5 (2+ is adequate) Physical Activity Before and After School X/9 (5+ is adequate) Staff Involvement X/2 (1+is adequate) Family and Community Involvement X/5 (3+ is adequate)

Highlights Include any successful components, highlights, surprises, success stories here. Include any photos that you’re able to gather of students engaging in physical education/activity.

Areas for Improvement Include components that need improvement here. You can list specific items within these components that need improvement as well.

CSPAP Goals (Insert response to Question 4 from Goal Setting document) Component: – Goal –

CSPAP Goals Continued… – Goal -

CSPAP Goals Continued… – Goal -

How Do We Keep Going? Continued use of Let’s Move in School toolkit and resources. Recognize that it will take time to implement a CSPAP. Engage partners and supporters. Take one step at a time. Celebrate successes!