Beaulieu, L., Butterfield, S.A., Mason, C.A., and Loovis, E.M. (2012). Physical activity and U.S. public elementary schools: Implications for our profession. ICHPER-SDJournal of Research, 7(1), 12-16.

Childhood obesity in the U.S. has reached crisis proportion. In response, public elementary schools have embarked on various methods to increase children's physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine strategies by United States public elementary schools to increase children's physical activity. Of particular concern was how physical activity strategies were influence by minority status, geographic location and socioeconomics. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics was analyzed. The top overall strategy employed by schools was non-traditional activities within a physical education program, e.g., dance, martial arts, and outdoor adventure activities. However, strategies to increase physical activity were significantly impacted by minority and socioeconomic status. Most notably, schools with the highest rate of minority enrollment were less likely to use non-traditional activities to encourage physical activity. Schools with the lowest rates of children enrolled in free/reduced price lunch were more likely to use non-traditional activities. Implications for physical education and professional preparation are discussed.