In the recent 2016 National Physical Activity Report Card, the U.S. received the grade of D-, which indicates that most U.S. children and adolescents are not getting the nationally recommended 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Data from the 2016 School Health Policies and Practices Study (SHPPS) show:

• Only 32.9% of districts support or promote walking or biking to and from school.
• Only 11% of elementary schools, 8% of middle schools, and 2% of high schools require schools to provide regular classroom physical activity breaks during the school day.
• Less than 20% of districts prohibit the use of waivers, exemptions, or substitutions for physical education requirements for students.
• Less than 15% of districts ever used a curriculum analysis tool to assess one or more physical education curricula.
• Only 46% of districts require those who teach physical education to earn continuing education credits on physical education topics and instructional strategies.

Source: Data from the 2016 School Health Policies and Practices Study [SHPPS]

CDC, in collaboration with SHAPE America, developed Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs: A Guide for Schools, a step-by-step guide for schools and school districts to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school physical activity programs. It is available in the Resources section of this course.

The essential components, as defined by SHAPE America, are:

• Policy and Environment
• Curriculum
• Appropriate Instruction
• Student Assessment

Yes, Let’s Move! Active Schools (LMAS), equips K-12 schools with the resources, tools, professional development, funding opportunities, and technical assistance to create an Active School environment where physical activity is integrated before, during, and after school for at least 60 minutes every day.

Schools are encouraged to join Let’s Move! Active Schools, the national physical activity and physical education solution, to help create comprehensive, active learning environments and ensure 60 minutes of daily physical activity for students. In addition, schools can be a part of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program. It provides a model for fitness education within a comprehensive physical education program.

The Presidential Youth Fitness Program helps schools achieve excellence in physical education through quality fitness education and assessment practices. Free training and resources for physical educators are available.