Working with Schools to Increase Physical Activity Among Children and Adolescents in Physical Education Classes

This action guide, developed by Partnership for Prevention, provides information on the resources and key steps to work with schools to increase physical activity among children and adolescents in physical education classes. It translates a specific recommendation from The Guide to Community Preventive Services into “how to” guidance. Physical education (PE) classes can be enhanced through policy, systems, and environmental changes that address curricula, teaching practices, and facilities/equipment to increase levels of physical activity and improve physical fitness. PE classes are important in helping students develop the knowledge, attitudes, motor and behavioral skills, and confidence to adopt and maintain physically active lifestyles. The childhood overweight epidemic is helping to shift the focus of PE classes from traditional sports toward health and physical activity, particularly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.