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Educating the Student Body
achievement and the many ways in which physical activity can and has been 
successfully incorporated into the school environment.
Traditionally, schools have been central in supporting the health of 
their students by providing immunizations, health examinations and screen-
ing, and nutrition programs such as school breakfasts and lunches, in addi-
tion to opportunities for physical activity. They also have acted as socioeco-
nomic equalizers, offering all students the same opportunities for improved 
health through these services and programs. Moreover, local, state, and 
national policies have been able to influence what schools do. Given that 
children spend up to 7 hours each school day in school and many attend 
after-school programs, it is important to examine the role schools can play 
in promoting physical activity in youth. Although more physical activity at 
home and in the community is an important goal as well, the opportunity 
to influence so many children at once makes schools an extremely attractive 
option for increasing physical activity in youth. 
RECOMMENDATIONS
The committee formulated recommendations in six areas: taking a 
whole-of-school approach, considering physical activity in all school- 
related policy decisions, designating physical education as a core subject, 
monitoring physical education and opportunities for physical activity in 
schools, providing preservice training and professional development for 
teachers, and ensuring equity in access to physical activity and physical 
education.