Creating Lasting Conditions for Meaningful Recess Reform: A 5-School Exploration

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• School Health Policy
• Program Implementation Research

Background:

• Recess is vital for children's healthy development when implemented effectively.
• Explored the implementation of a recess improvement process in 5 elementary schools across 3 states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the implementation of a recess improvement process in elementary schools.
• To identify factors contributing to the quality and sustainability of recess reform.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods implementation study over one school year.
• Data collection included observations, interviews, surveys, and focus groups.
• Qualitative data analyzed thematically; quantitative data aggregated.

Main Results:

• Observed improvements in recess quality at each school; three schools showed most progress.
• Aggregate quantitative data showed null effects, but one school had significant improvements.
• Four key criteria for quality and sustainability identified: staff engagement, program integration, student leadership, and communication.

Conclusions:

• Successful recess reform requires individual and institutional commitment to valuing recess.
• School administrators must lead change and build supportive infrastructure for recess success.