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Guiding Principles
Early in this study the committee formulated a set of principles that 
guided its deliberations and its consideration of recommendations:
•
Instilling lifelong physical activity in children and adolescents is cru-
cial to the current and future health of the nation, and its long-term 
benefits should be recognized.
•
Systems thinking is needed to develop recommendations for improv-
ing physical activity and physical education opportunities in schools 
in the context of children’s and adolescents’ development, family, 
home, culture, and community. Unintended consequences, acceler-
ants, barriers, and other factors should be considered. 
•
Disparities in physical activity and physical education opportunities 
exist, and their elimination should be a priority in any recommenda-
tions for school-based efforts.
•
The committee should consider all types of school environments in 
formulating its recommendations. 
•
The committee should consider student diversity, including gender, 
culture, religion, education, resources, and physical ability, in devel-
oping its recommendations.
•
The committee should consider the practicality of implementation 
and existing school resources in making its recommendations. In 
addition, it should consider the challenges and barriers faced by 
policy makers, principals, teachers, parents/guardians, students, and 
other stakeholders.
•
The committee should base its recommendations on the best- 
available scientific evidence and promising approaches.