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Physical education and student activity: evaluating implementation of a new policy in Los Angeles public schools
Mariah Lafleur1, Seth Strongin, Brian L Cole
1Samuels & Associates, 1222 Preservation Way, Oakland, CA 94612, USA. mariah@samuelsandassociates.com
Background:
California law has standards for physical education (PE) instruction in K-12 public schools; audits found that the Los Angeles Unified School District did not enforce the standards. In 2009, the district adopted a PE policy to comply with these standards.
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the PE policy in district schools.
Methods:
PE class observations were conducted using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time in the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years in an income-stratified random sample of 34 elementary, middle, and high schools to assess changes in PE class size, class duration, and time students spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Results:
PE class duration increased in high-income elementary schools. Mean class size decreased in low-income middle schools.
Conclusions:
There was limited implementation of the PE policy 2 years after passage. Opportunities exist to continue monitoring and improving PE quantity and quality.
