Introduction: This study explored the relationship between first-time or repeat participation at a sports education camp and demographic variables of gender, age, race or ethnicity, measures of self-perception, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity in participants' communities. Methods: The study was a secondary data analysis of interview…

The decline in physical activity (PA) from youth to young adulthood is evident, though limited research has addressed whether specific factors of K-12 physical education (PE) have any influence on outcomes during college years. This study examined the relationship between college students' physical fitness and PA behavior and their high school PE…

Background: In 2009, the Pennsylvania Department of Health developed the Active Schools Program (ASP) which required 30?minutes of daily physical education (PE) in middle schools to reduce childhood obesity. This investigation evaluated the ASP effects on physical fitness and weight status in middle school adolescents throughout 1 academic year.…

This study examined enabling conditions related to implementing and sustaining a high-quality physical education program at three elementary schools in Pennsylvania. Physical education is being reduced or removed from elementary curriculums because of reduced school budgets and a strong focus on academic standards. Furthermore, the lack of…

As schools work to ensure that all students have the skills and competencies to succeed in work and life, and with growing expectations for success on standardized assessments at the federal, state and local levels, education leaders increasingly understand the importance of student wellness to achieving these goals. This report outlines why…

In an age of rising obesity rates, more students are getting fit in school with the help of the video game series Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) and similar games. Some educators caution that while the trend is positive overall, technology should only supplement--not replace--traditional physical activity, such as running, aerobics, and other…

This document describes "lifetime sports" education in Pennsylvania. "Lifetime sports" is defined as individual and dual sports that increase energy expenditure and contribute to personal fitness so that people can safely pursue them throughout their life. The historical background is given for the specific program in…

In conjunction with a new set of regulations dealing with health and physical education programs in Pennsylvania school districts, effective July 1, 1975, the Department of Education outlines in this report competencies and objectives which school districts are encouraged to use to develop quality programs. The physical education competencies…