SWITCH-ing Quality Physical Education to Multicomponent Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs

Abstract

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP) coordinate physical activity opportunities for school-age children through physical education, programs offered before/after school and during the school day, and those facilitated through staff involvement and community engagement. An active school is considered to implement quality physical education and one additional CSPAP component. This paper aims to describe evidence-based school initiatives that have used a multicomponent approach to integrating CSPAP in schools. Common themes will be summarized to provide strategies and suggestions on creating, implementing, and sustaining a CSPAP in schools. The Let’s Get Fit to Learn partnered with local underserved elementary schools to increase physical activity at school designed to improve or increase health and on-task behaviors. The Whole Communities-Whole Health is an equity-centered, community-engaged research project one outcome is to deeply integrate physical activity into the school curriculum. SWITCH (School Wellness Integration Targeting Child Health) is an evidence-based CSPAP designed to build capacity through a partnership with 4-H Youth Development. In Ireland, Active School Flag is a national initiative focused on self-reflection, action planning and collaboration at the school level and provides options for schools to achieve the “Flag.” Multicomponent CSPAP purposefully links multiple points of intervention to maximize physical activity opportunities for children. Given the implementation of culturally relevant and contextually grounded learning opportunities in and around schools, the potential for impact and sustainability is high.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Darla M. Castelli

Dr. Darla M. Castelli ([email protected]) is a Professor in Department of Kinesiology and Health Education at The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX.

Greg Welk

Dr. Greg Welk is a Professor in Department of Kinesiology at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Dr.

Timothy A. Brusseau

Timothy A. Brusseau is a Professor in Health and Kinesiology at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT. Dr.

Jaimie McMullen

Dr. Jaimie McMullen is an Associate Professor in Sport & Exercise Science at Northern Colorado University in Greeley, CO.