Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Four Temporary Waterslide Designs Adapted to Different Slope Conditions to Encourage Child Socialization in Playgrounds
Published on: December 9, 2022
Compliance With a Statewide Recess Policy and School Recess Practices in Arizona Public Elementary Schools Over
Pamela Hodges Kulinna1, Kylie Wilson2, Marissa Schulke2
1The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, USA.
Background:
School recess is a primary setting for children to be physically active. The state of Arizona passed a 2019 law mandating 2 daily recess periods for students in grades K-5 (ARS§15-118). Informed by a multilevel social ecological model that considers physical activity in relation to state, district, and school policies, this study assessed differences in recess policy and practices between 2021 and 2023, and policies and practices associated with compliance with the law.
Methods:
State-, district-, and school-level data on reported recess policies and practices were collected from 429 public elementary school teachers across Arizona (16% response rate) using a modified version of the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs Questionnaire in 2021, 2022, and 2023 as part of a repeated cross-sectional design. Chi-square and 1-way analyses of variance were used to compare differences in policies and practices between years. Policy and practice items across years were analyzed using bivariate analyses to assess associations with compliance.
Results:
Nearly 81%, 70%, and 65% of participating schools reported compliance each year, respectively, and significantly fewer schools offered 2+ recess in 2022 and 2023 than in 2021. School policies did not differ between years; however, 18 individual policies and practices were significantly associated with compliance, including practices prohibiting the withholding of recess, providing recess equipment, and offering 20+ minutes of recess daily.
Conclusion:
This study highlights policies and practices in Arizona K-5 public schools that can support compliance with the state recess policy. Lack of change in reported school policies and practices and concurrent declines in daily recess raise concerns.
