A: Here is the reality: many students are not getting opportunities to be active in school. Data from the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study (SHPPS) show:

• Less than 4% of schools provide daily physical education for the entire school year.
• Only 45% of schools provide opportunities for students to participate in classroom physical activity breaks.
• Only 55% of schools offer opportunities for students to participate in physical activity clubs or intramural sports programs.
• More than one half of all schools have 10% or less of their students walking or biking to and from school.

Source: Data from the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study [SHPPS]

A: CDC, in collaboration with SHAPE America, developed Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs: A Guide for Schools, a step-by-step guide for schools and school districts to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school physical activity programs. It is available in the Links section.

A: The essential components, as defined by SHAPE America, are:

• Policy and Environment
• Curriculum
• Appropriate Instruction
• Student Assessment

A: Yes, Let's Move! Active Schools (LMAS), equips K-12 schools with the resources, tools, professional development, funding opportunities, and technical assistance to create an Active School environment where physical activity is integrated before, during, and after school for at least 60 minutes every day.

Schools are encouraged to join Let's Move! Active Schools, the national physical activity and physical education solution, to help create comprehensive, active learning environments and ensure 60 minutes of daily physical activity for students. In addition, schools can be a part of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program. It provides a model for fitness education within a comprehensive physical education program.

A: The Presidential Youth Fitness Program helps schools achieve excellence in physical education through quality fitness education and assessment practices. Free training and resources for physical educators are available.