PETE Programs Creating Teacher Leaders to Integrate Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs

Abstract

In response to the increased prevalence of childhood obesity and physical inactivity, a whole-school approach has been endorsed by the Institute of Medicine as having the greatest potential for providing coordinated opportunities for children to engage in daily physical activity. One model, the comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP), seeks to extend skills learned in physical education into applied situations that include but are not limited to: (1) before- and after-school programs, (2) physical activity during the school day (e.g., recess, physical activity in the classrooms), (3) family and community engagement, and (4) teacher involvement through physical activity leadership and commitment to address their own personal wellness. Given the current volume of national physical activity initiatives that are primarily led by teachers, coupled with the fact that the CSPAP is now considered the guiding national framework for schoolwide physical activity integration, the purpose of this JOPERD feature is to provide a platform for teacher educators to describe their efforts with the hope of inspiring fellow teacher educators to consider integrating similar CSPAP experiences that have the potential to increase physical activity engagement and change school culture.