Introduction
Creating sustainable physical activity (PA) programs in schools is crucial for enhancing children's health and well-being. A recent study titled "A Novel Policy Alignment and Enhancement Process to Improve Sustainment of School-Based Physical Activity Programming" offers valuable insights into improving the sustainment of PA programs through policy alignment and enhancement. This blog explores how practitioners can leverage these findings to enhance their skills and encourage further research.
The Importance of Policy Alignment
Policy alignment is essential for the successful implementation and sustainment of PA programs in schools. The study highlights that while most district wellness policies include nutrition requirements, less than 4% of K-12 schools in the US mandate daily physical education (PE) and PA equivalents. This gap is often due to weak and non-specific policy language.
Strong policy language includes clear, specific statements that require action and accountability measures. Comprehensive policy language covers recommended content areas, such as the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) framework, which includes classroom PA, PE, before- and after-school PA, and family and community engagement.
The EPIS Framework
The study utilized the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework to guide a seven-step policy alignment and enhancement process. This evidence-based framework helps identify stakeholder needs, assess implementation barriers, and develop supports to overcome these barriers. The EPIS framework ensures a systematic and evidence-based structure for local policy development.
Key Findings
The study's initial evaluation of PA policies revealed low scores in strength and comprehensiveness. However, aligning tailored PA policies with current practices resulted in a 100% increase in strength and a 132% increase in comprehensiveness. Despite these improvements, barriers to adopting the tailored policy were identified, leading to the integration of PA requirements into curriculum guides and school improvement plans.
Practical Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can improve their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research. Here are some practical steps:
- Evaluate Current Policies: Use tools like WellSAT 3.0 to assess the strength and comprehensiveness of existing wellness policies.
- Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with school leadership, teachers, and community members to align policies with current practices and needs.
- Utilize the EPIS Framework: Follow the EPIS framework to systematically guide policy alignment and enhancement.
- Address Barriers: Identify and address barriers to policy implementation, such as funding, time constraints, and stakeholder buy-in.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of alternative strategies, such as integrating PA language into curriculum guides and school improvement plans. Practitioners are encouraged to investigate these strategies and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustaining school-based PA programs.
Conclusion
Policy alignment is a critical component of sustaining school-based PA programs. By leveraging the findings of this study and implementing the EPIS framework, practitioners can enhance their skills and contribute to creating healthier school environments. For those interested in delving deeper into the research, the original paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the policy alignment process.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A Novel Policy Alignment and Enhancement Process to Improve Sustainment of School-Based Physical Activity Programming.
