Quality School Physical Education Leads to More Active Kids

By Adam Nelson, WHF Associate

According to Washington State standards, students in grades 1-8 must participate in 100 minutes per week of Physical Education (PE). But a 2009 study by the University ofWashington Center for Public Health Nutrition says that the average 7^th grader takes part in 50 minutes per week of PE, and only 7 minutes of aerobic activity per PE class. Improving the quality of physical education by maximizing the quantity, enjoyment, knowledge and physical abilities for youth, is an important step toward increasing the overall physical activity children level of children in Washington.

There has been innovation in PE coming from the private sector. One company, HOPSports, developed a system to improve the quality of physical education that is now used at three sites in Washington including Camas High School. To improve traditional PE, HOPSports system is a pre-package set of video PE lessons, tailored to meeting national physical education standards. The PE teacher can choose videos based on their goals for specific lesson plans. In addition to lessons which lead students through a 10-30 minute exercise routine, the warm-up videos provide health education on topics of anti-smoking, nutrition, and the environment.

A 2008 case study of 16 North Carolina schools that implemented the program found that compared to traditional PE courses, physical activity class time increased by 45 percent, student enjoyment of PE increased significantly, and students' intent to be physically active outside of class also increased. By implementing fun innovative ways to engage a broader base of students, it makes sense that children will be more physically active.

Programs like HOPSports and SPARK are just one way to increase the quality of physical education in Washington. Moving forward on PE is only one reason the Healthiest State Campaign is teaming up with the state Department of Health to promote a new public/private Healthiest Communities Partnership. We want to make healthy choices, like regular physical activity, the easy choices in our state.

To learn more about the Healthiest Communities Partnership, click here.