CDC and AAHPERD Release New Guide For Developing Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs

Schools across the country now have access to step-by-step guidance and evidence to help children and youth obtain at least 60 minutes of physical activity before, during and after school every day. A new guide for schools to develop, implement and evaluate comprehensive school physical activity programs has been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD). The guide can be downloaded at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/cspap.htm

According to AAHPERD Senior Program Manager Francesca Zavacky, one of the authors, "The guide can be read and utilized by a group that either already exists (e.g., school health council or wellness committee) or a new group or committee that is made up of physical education coordinators and teachers, classroom teachers, school administrators, recess supervisors, before- and after-school program supervisors, parents, and community members. It can be used to develop a new comprehensive school physical activity program or assess and improve an existing one."

The guide is also the foundation for a new Physical Activity Leader (PAL) training being conducted across the country as part of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Active Schools initiative. AAHPERD will conduct PAL professional development training in many states, including Maine.