“We can do this”: Physical educators’ role breadth self-efficacy to be involved with CSPAPs from an occupational socialization perspective

Comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) are recommended to support physical education (PE) and increase the amount of physical activity (PA) youth receive each day. However, adoption of CSPAPs in the United States is low. PE teachers are well positioned to lead the implementation of CSPAPs, but research is needed to better understand (a) PE teachers’ confidence to assume the multiple roles involved with CSPAP implementation and (b) the factors that are associated with such confidence. This study examined PE teachers’ role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) as a measure of PE teachers’ CSPAP-related confidence and its association with seminal life experiences as framed within teacher socialization theory. A survey was emailed to a stratified-random sample of 2976 PE teachers and distributed on social media, garnering a total of 259 responses. Exploratory structural equation modeling supported a three-factor solution for teacher socialization variables (acculturation, professional socialization and organizational socialization), in line with the theoretical framework, and a single factor solution for RBSE. Professional socialization and organizational socialization were significant predictors of RBSE, and qualitative data from open-ended survey questions supported these relationships. The results highlight the importance of preservice teacher education and current employment contexts in PE teachers’ CSPAP-related confidence.

Several comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) professional preparation and research initiatives are underway in the Department of Physical Education and Athletic Training at the University of South Carolina. The CSPAP learning experiences have been mostly integrated into existing courses to help candidates in physical education teaching, classroom teaching and teacher education to develop skills, knowledge and dispositions to lead CSPAPs. Physical education teacher candidates plan, implement and evaluate school- and community-based physical activity-promotion strategies spanning all CSPAP components. Classroom teacher candidates learn to integrate movement in academic classroom settings and advocate for CSPAPs. Doctoral students training to become physical education teacher educators or researchers teach and supervise teacher candidates, evaluate candidates' CSPAP work, and collaborate with faculty on interdisciplinary CSPAP research. These initiatives reflect progress, but they lack a sustained, sequential and systematic approach. Future efforts must focus on gaining the support of all faculty to pursue CSPAP preparation and research that strike a balance between traditional and emerging professional roles and responsibilities in the field.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Physical educators may be the responsible people for implementing comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) in schools. However, it is unclear whether physical education teacher education (PETE) programs provide the relevant learning opportunities to preservice teachers for CSPAP implementation. The purpose of this study was to understand preservice teachers’ perspectives and experiences of CSPAP preparation in their PETE programs. Method: Fourteen PETE students from 6 different universities participated and shared their experiences in PETE programs. Data were collected through a short survey, 1 formal interview, field images, document gathering, and an additional survey to follow up the interview. Descriptive statistics, constant comparison, and analytic induction techniques were used to analyze the data. Results: Participants’ familiarity with CSPAPs was related to positive opinions about the role of physical educators in CSPAPs. Three common themes were revealed: (a) introducing CSPAP via courses, (b) the lack of programwide hands-on experiences for CSPAP, and (c) limited preparation for social skills with stakeholders. Participants’ perceptions of the role of physical educators as physical activity leaders had been expanded during their training. Conclusion: The participating PETE programs integrated CSPAP components in the existing courses to introduce CSPAP, while there was a lack of sufficient practical opportunities to learn how to implement (aspects of) a CSPAP. Participants felt they were insufficiently prepared to promote and implement expanded physical activity programming beyond physical education classes in schools. The majority of the PETE preservice teachers wanted more practical CSPAP experiences in their programs.

Comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) have been highlighted by numerous public health and education agencies for their potential to improve the health and academic achievement of American youth. A CSPAP integrates physical activity throughout the school environment before, during and after school by engaging educators, children, families and community organizations. As the design, implementation and evaluation of effective CSPAP programs has inched forward, so has the call for physical education teacher education (PETE) programs to prepare the next generation of physical educators with the skills and knowledge needed to one day lead CSPAP efforts in K-12 schools. The purpose of this article is to showcase efforts in the PETE program at Wayne State University (WSU) to embed CSPAP training into the preparation of future teachers. The WSU PETE program is in the middle of programmatic reform to integrate CSPAP content and professional experiences in three ways. First, CSPAP training is integrated into many existing courses, from content instruction to methods, using lectures, discussion and various assignments. Second, PETE students are required to engage in the CSPAP research projects being conducted by the WSU Center for School Health. Third, PETE majors are required to be certified as physical activity leaders (PALs). Together, these three CSPAP training approaches allow PETE students to learn CSPAP through traditional university-based strategies, view schools in the midst of CSPAP reform initiatives, and graduate with national-level certification as PALs.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to better understand Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) curricular offerings related to physical activity leadership training competencies that occur within physical education teacher education programs across the United States. Methods: Physical education teacher education program stakeholders were emailed an online survey about physical activity leadership training competencies and CSPAP training in physical education teacher education. A total of 142 participants (28% response rate) completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were used, and open-ended questions were analyzed. Results: Participants reported training preservice physical education teachers in CSPAP components: quality physical education (84%), physical activity before/after school (61%), physical activity during school (78%), staff involvement (50%), and family and community engagement (64%). Reported physical activity leadership competency training for preservice physical education teachers included: physical activity content knowledge (99%), leadership competencies (93%), communication and promotion (38%), and collaboration competencies (78%). Discussion/Conclusion: Training classroom teachers and physical education teachers to promote, sustain, and implement CSPAPs is vital to CSPAP uptake in schools.

The purpose of this article is to introduce the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) model as the physical education (PE) and physical activity (PA) component of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. CSPAP consists of five core elements including quality PE, PA during school, PA before/after school, staff involvement, and family & community engagement, with quality PE serving as the cornerstone. There are extensive resources to support the implementation of CSPAP in schools from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Springboard to Active Schools, and SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators. Health and physical education (HPE) professionals interested in promoting PE and PA in schools should focus on four main strategies: (1) ensure quality PE, (2) follow the steps in the CDC’s CSPAP Guide, (3) advocate for PE and PA at the school, district, and state levels, and (4) participate in continuing professional development related to the five components of CSPAP. For physical education teacher education (PETE) programs wishing to support CSPAP, it is essential to first develop high quality PE teachers. Then, they can consider a variety of strategies for extending preservice teacher learning to other school PA opportunities through integrated coursework and alternative field experiences. One key to successful CSPAP implementation is collaboration with community members outside of the school, including universities. The article concludes with a hypothetical example of how a school could integrate the strategies outlined here.

ABSTRACTPhysical Education Teacher Education (PETE) training has the potential to influence graduates’ decisions as physical educators. Utilizing themes from Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations and Lawson’s Occupational Socialization theories, we focused on graduates from a single PETE program which, beginning in 2007, began integrating content, expectations, and experiences relating to an expanded role of the physical educator such as in comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine transfer in terms of university training leading to teaching practices in expanded physical activity programming. Method: An electronic questionnaire was sent to 335 graduates from May 2000 through May 2019. Sixty-seven graduates’ questionnaires were investigated looking at perceptions of CSPAP as an innovation, current expanded physical activity (PA) offerings, and memories of PETE. Additionally, 13 participants participated in a school visit and interview which acted as a fidelity check for self-reported levels of expanded PA programming reported in the questionnaire. Results: All 67 graduates included some amount of expanded PA programming. Positive correlations were found with perception of CSPAP as an innovation, for both year of graduation and memory of PETE programming, thus students exposed to CSPAP programming during PETE were implementing components at their schools at higher levels. Conclusion: There is positive potential for professional socialization to influence graduates’ practices. Perceptions of CSPAP as an innovation were positive and support the promotion of triability and starting small when PETE programs encourage expanded PA programming.

Role breadth self-efficacy captures how professionals feel about their ability to undertake expanded occupational roles. For physical education teacher education (PETE) faculty, integrating Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) learning experiences into PETE is beyond traditional requirements that follow national and/or state accreditation standards. Although some programs integrate CSPAP, little is known about PETE faculty’s perspectives on integrating CSPAP. The study aimed to explore PETE faculty’s experiences learning and teaching about CSPAPs. Individual, semi-structured interviews (M = 39.82 min, r = 21–66 min) with PETE faculty (N = 21) were conducted and analyzed. The four themes were as follows: (a) inspired, (b) encouragement, (c) CSPAP champions, and (d) barriers. PETE faculty have greater self-efficacy to be CSPAP champions when inspired and encouraged by peers in PETE, K-12 teachers, through research, and professional development. To effectively integrate CSPAP training into PETE, experiences within school placements and mentorship from experienced teachers are crucial. Incorporating CSPAP into the teacher certification standards could foster broader adoption.

Purpose: Given the emphasis on the important role of physical education within Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAPs), the purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) prepares teacher candidates for CSPAP roles. Methods: A total of 144 PETE program completed the online survey about curriculum and learning experiences on CSPAP. Descriptive statistics and frequency analyses were used, and open-ended questions were summarized to extract common answers. Results: Of the 144 PETE programs, 107 (74.3%) included no CSPAP learning experiences. The prevalent type of learning experience was incorporating CSPAP components in the existing courses, while field experiences were not frequently used. PETE personnel expressed the utility of field experiences as an ideal CSPAP preparation. Conclusion: Few PETE programs offer CSPAP-related learning experiences. When it was present, the prevalent way to teach CSPAP implementation was infusing CSPAP concepts into current courses.

In the United States, less than half of adolescents meet national recommendations for daily physical activity (PA). Schools are an integral intervention point for achievement of national PA youth guidelines. To help schools achieve PA guidelines, multicomponent Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP) were developed. Each CSPAP component works synergistically to help students achieve 60 min of PA per school day. Physical educators are expected to implement CSPAP components in their schools, but little is known about the preservice physical education teacher (PPET) perception of CSPAP training experiences in teacher education. The purpose of this research study was to understand PPET perceptions of implementing a component of CSPAP at the elementary and secondary level during a student teaching course. Undergraduate (n = 5) and graduate (n = 4) physical education majors enrolled in a semester of student teaching were recruited. Data collection encompassed individual semistructured interviews at three distinct phases (N = 25): (a) pre–student teaching, (b) between student teaching school placements, and (c) post–student teaching. Data coding first revealed codes, then categories, and eventually four themes emerged, each with its own subthemes: (a) preparedness, (b) perceived challenges, (c) implementation, and (d) moving forward. Findings indicate PPETs developed confidence, achieved personal growth and self-actualization, perceived career benefit, and gained a desire for implementing CSPAP in the future. Additionally, implementing CSPAP components during student teaching can increase confidence and desire to implement CSPAP in the future. Further research needs to explore if CSPAP experiences during preservice training influence in-service teachers’ CSPAP involvement.

This article highlights processes for infusing comprehensive school physical activity programming (CSPAP) into the physical education teacher education (PETE) program at the University of Idaho (UI). The PETE program uses a modified leadership framework to target learning outcomes and activities pertinent to CSPAP. Student CSPAP knowledge and practice is strengthened and put into practice by taking three Department of Movement Science core courses focused on individual and community healthy active lifestyles (HAL). The two community service-learning HAL courses focus on assessment, programming pedagogy and marketing of HAL interventions. Knowledge, skills, dispositions, roles and opportunities are progressively sequenced for preservice students to develop effective Physical Activity Leader (PAL) role knowledge and experience, while meeting state physical education teacher standards. Through PAL training, workshops and teaching opportunities, faculty integrate public health prevention models, behavioral change theories, and motivational strategies in school, after-school and community-based settings. Research activities include leadership skill growth, the link between CSPAP assessment and advocacy, Idaho physical education teacher demand and CSPAP understanding, and the relationship between administrator support and technology use to support CSPAP.

Comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) aim to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles among school-age children and adolescents. Physical educators are highly qualified individuals taking on the role of certified physical activity leaders. Physical education teacher education (PETE) programs should consider preparing physical educators with sufficient knowledge and skills to implement a CSPAP and to foster physically literate individuals. This article describes the competencies needed for physical educators to implement CSPAP and synthesizes strategies and recommendations for infusing CSPAP concepts into PETE programs.

Since the early 1990s, notions about the purpose of physical education (PE) in the United States have increasingly aligned with a public health agenda driven by concerns that youth accrue too little physical activity (PA). In tandem with the shifting tides of thought about PE's purpose, authors have proposed numerous public health-aligned recommendations for physical educators in schools and teacher education. These ideologies and recommendations can be conceptually organized using the comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) model, which includes five components: (1) physical education, (2) PA during school, (3) PA before and after school, (4) staff involvement, and (5) family and community engagement. This article discusses the expanded professional roles of the PE teacher within each CSPAP component, identifies specific strategies for performing these roles, and suggests learning tasks that physical education teacher education faculty can incorporate into their programs to help teacher candidates adopt each strategy.

The use of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) has been recommended to help students achieve 60-minutes of physical activity each day. Implementing a CSPAP requires planning, coordination, and ongoing oversight, but an understudied factor is how principal support influences CSPAP implementation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of principal support on CSPAP implementation. Method. Schools in the Iowa FitnessGram Initiative (n = 84), a participatory network of schools committed to supporting physical education and wellness efforts, were invited to participate in the study. Physical education teachers from 42 schools completed a survey assessing CSPAP implementation and principal support for school wellness. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were used to report associations between the variables. A regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of principal support on CSPAP implementation. Results. Almost half of the schools were reported to be fully implementing just one CSPAP component and no school was reported to be fully implementing all five. The CSPAP component with the highest reported level of implementation was quality physical education, while the lowest level of implementation was reported for family and community engagement and staff involvement. The regression analysis identified that principal support was a significant predictor of CSPAP implementation, b = 0.55, t(37) = 3.10, p < .004. Conclusions. Principal support is associated with implementation of CSPAP initiatives. Strategies that focus on how to attain principal support for CSPAP initiatives are needed and could have a significant impact on student physical activity and health.

With the emerging trend of physical education teacher education (PETE) programs incorporating Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) training to prepare preservice teachers and future teacher educators to be competent Physical Activity Leaders (PAL), little is known about the feasibility of such programs. Therefore, this study examined graduate students’ (future teacher educators) and principals’ experiences implementing CSPAPs through a university–school partnership model. Six graduate students served as PALs in elementary schools. Focus group discussions at 6 months and interviews at 1 year were conducted with the PALs, while 4 principals participated in individual interviews at the end of Year 1. The audio-recorded data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively. Both PALs and principals experienced challenges in implementing other components of CSPAPs beyond physical education mainly due to time constraints. Collaboration and rapport building with school staff would aid in the implementation of CSPAPs. Continual feedback and supervision could improve the graduate students’ skills in performing their roles as PALs in schools. As PETE programs across the United States are finding ways to prepare students to be competent PALs, this study provides valuable information for challenges and future considerations for CSPAP infusion in PETE programs. Subscribe to TPE