Where have all the advocates gone? Advocating for quality

physical education

2009 National AAHPERD conventionTampa, FL

Sarah M. LeeAllison TopperTerry JonesTracy Fox

Physical Education Physical Education Requirements by GradeRequirements by Grade

Source: CDC, School Health Policies and Programs Study, 2006

5057 58 58 58

6168 67 66

55

33

20 20

010203040

50607080

K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th

Perc

ent o

f sch

ools

Source: CDC, National Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Percentage of U.S. High School Percentage of U.S. High School Students Who Attended Physical Students Who Attended Physical

Education Classes Daily, 1991 - 2007Education Classes Daily, 1991 - 2007

30%33%28%

32%29%27%25%

34%42%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007

Perc

ent

Percentage of U.S. SchoolsPercentage of U.S. SchoolsThat Provided Daily Physical That Provided Daily Physical

Education for All Students in All Education for All Students in All GradesGrades

• Daily physical education– 4% of elementary schools– 8% of middle schools– 2% of high schools

• 22% of schools did not require students to take any physical education

Source: CDC, School Health Policies and Programs Study, 2006

Sources of Advocacy DataSources of Advocacy Data

www.naspeinfo.org/shapeofthenation

www.cdc.gov/shpps

Key Policy/Advocacy GoalsKey Policy/Advocacy Goals• State and district mandates for physical education• Certified physical education teachers• Time requirements• No exemptions/waivers/substitutions• State standards for physical education• Student assessment (program accountability)• Class size• Graduation requirements• Professional development and recertification

requirements• Leadership and expertise (state and district physical

education coordinators)