Physical education and student activity: evaluating implementation of a new policy in Los Angeles public schools

Abstract

Background: California law has standards for physical education (PE) instruction in K-12 public schools; audits found that the Los Angeles Unified School District did not enforce the standards. In 2009, the district adopted a PE policy to comply with these standards.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the PE policy in district schools.

Methods: PE class observations were conducted using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time in the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years in an income-stratified random sample of 34 elementary, middle, and high schools to assess changes in PE class size, class duration, and time students spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Results: PE class duration increased in high-income elementary schools. Mean class size decreased in low-income middle schools.

Conclusions: There was limited implementation of the PE policy 2 years after passage. Opportunities exist to continue monitoring and improving PE quantity and quality.