This study compared health-related fitness variables of high school students (14 to 19-years-old; 120 males, 67 females) participating in physical education (PE) and school-sponsored sports (SSS) to students participating solely in PE. Cardiovascular fitness, the primary variable of interest, was measured using the 20-Meter Shuttle Ran (number of…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether school districts in a rural western state employed school health coordinators or at least employed individuals who possessed the skills suggested for school health coordinators. Baseline data were collected soliciting the involvement of all 48 state school districts and the state girl's school (N…

Background: Coordinated school health programs (CSHPs) bring together educational and community resources in the school environment. This method is particularly important in rural areas like Kansas, where resources and trained health professionals are in short supply. Rural Stafford County, Kansas, struggles with health professional shortages and…

Historically, physical educators were selected as instructors for health education courses. However, physical education and health education should be separate disciplines which require special and unique professional preparation. The relationship between the two disciplines should be one of cooperation as both share similar educational goals. (JN)

This article clarifies the new perspective with which physical education is viewed within the educational process of the handicapped student. The role of health-related personnel in program implementation is discussed (CJ)

Conducted a data quality substudy in conjunction with the School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) 2000 to assess the quality of study questionnaires. Validity of state and district level questionnaires was examined via telephone interviews with original respondents. A test-retest reliability of the school and classroom level…

Background: This study examined physical activity opportunities and barriers at 36 geographically diverse middle schools participating in the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls. Methods: Principals, physical education and health education department heads, and program leaders were interviewed to assess policies and instructional practices that…

The Go for Health project uses interventions based on school change and social learning theory to facilitate changes in diet and exercise behavior by elementary school children. A summary of both school and student outcomes is given, and the intervention model is described. (Author/MT)

The normative beliefs of parents, teachers, and friends and the motivation to comply with the beliefs of these significant others were measured to examine societal norms toward exercise as perceived by school children. Results are presented. (Author/DF)

The purpose of this study was to examine Ohio parents' perceptions of the role of elementary schools in preventing childhood overweight. In the United States, overweight is the most widespread health threat facing children and adolescents. Schools may be a useful point of intervention in addressing the escalating prevalence of childhood overweight…

The School Health Policies and Programs Study included assessment of physical education at state, district, school, and classroom levels. Questionnaire data indicated that physical education is an established component of the educational program in virtually all states, districts, and schools, though instructional practices often do not reflect…

A number of cases are presented where children were injured or killed in connection with school or other educational situations. More emphasis should be placed on safety education not only to reduce suffering and pain but also to reduce financial demands on schools from court litigation. (CJ)

Using Achievement Goal Theory as a theoretical framework, this study examined an elementary physical education running program called Roadrunners and assessed relationships among achievement goals, perceived motivational climate, and student achievement behavior. Roadrunners promotes cardiovascular health, physical active lifestyles, and mastery…

Poor dietary habits, rising rates of overweight students, and lack of oversight of vending contracts prompted the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to develop and implement 2 of the most comprehensive nutrition policies in the country. The Healthy Beverage Resolution and Obesity Prevention Motion limit the types of and access to…

The hypotheses that school nurses would not be able to pass a standardized test of sports trauma management and that certified athletic trainers would score higher on this test were investigated. Results revealed that athletic trainers were indeed more knowledgeable than school nurses regarding athletic injuries among the high school population.…