SWITCH-ing Quality Physical Education to Multicomponent Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs

Abstract

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP) coordinate physical activity opportunities for school-age children through physical education, programs offered before/after school and during the school day, and those facilitated through staff involvement and community engagement. An active school is considered to implement quality physical education and one additional CSPAP component. This paper aims to describe evidence-based school initiatives that have used a multicomponent approach to integrating CSPAP in schools. Common themes will be summarized to provide strategies and suggestions on creating, implementing, and sustaining a CSPAP in schools. The Let’s Get Fit to Learn partnered with local underserved elementary schools to increase physical activity at school designed to improve or increase health and on-task behaviors. The Whole Communities-Whole Health is an equity-centered, community-engaged research project one outcome is to deeply integrate physical activity into the school curriculum. SWITCH (School Wellness Integration Targeting Child Health) is an evidence-based CSPAP designed to build capacity through a partnership with 4-H Youth Development. In Ireland, Active School Flag is a national initiative focused on self-reflection, action planning and collaboration at the school level and provides options for schools to achieve the “Flag.” Multicomponent CSPAP purposefully links multiple points of intervention to maximize physical activity opportunities for children. Given the implementation of culturally relevant and contextually grounded learning opportunities in and around schools, the potential for impact and sustainability is high.