Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs-Model for Change

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs(CSPAP)incorporates five intervention modalities to meet the nationally recommended 60 min. per day of physical activity(PA) for school aged students. The general purpose is to... [ view full abstract ]

_{Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs(CSPAP)incorporates five intervention modalities to meet the nationally recommended 60 min. per day of physical activity(PA) for school aged students. The general purpose is to develop knowledge, skills and behaviors to help students lead an active, healthy lifestyle. The objective of this presentation will be to explore the positive outcomes of this approach, as well as, the barriers which schools may face when implementing this program.  Each intervention modality will be reviewed and specific strategies will be recommended. For each component of the model, examples will be presented from the U.S. to further illustrate the efficacy of this model approach. It is further recommended to appoint a Physical Activity Leader (PAL) for each school, to accept the responsibility for implementation process. The following five modalities will be explored in this presentation: 1. Physical Education.  This component provides the foundation for CSPAP, utilizing a quality, standards-based curriculum designed to enhance motor skills, fitness education, knowledge, and behaviors for living a healthy lifestyle. 2. Physical Activity Before and After School. Examples will be provided of proven strategies in schools and the community to help illustrate this component. 3. Physical Activity During School. In addition to Physical Education time, examples will be given such as; recess models, subject matter integration in classrooms, PA breaks and special school wide events. 4. Family and Community Engagement. This component offers the family the opportunity to support  CSPAP in after school, evening or weekend special events. A model for parental and community involvement will be featured with specific strategies for implementation. 5. Staff Development. This area is crucial to the success of the model. School-based models and strategies will be presented to further assist teachers with the necessary tools to implement this model approach.}