Thinking about physical activity

We received a question this week about tools for assessing how much physical activity is currently taking place in schools. Here are some resources that might help coalitions work with schools to assess the current physical activity environment.

The Active Schools Toolkit assessment checklist is a good place to start. The toolkit still says draft because DPI is piloting it right now, but it’s definitely a useable tool!

Following are tools that are more comprehensive than just physical activity. You could either focus on the physical activity portions or complete the whole assessment to get a broader sense of what your district is doing well and what areas might need work.

• The Wisconsin School Health Award also has some helpful questions about school wellness policies, activity and movement, and physical activity/education. As a bonus, you could work with you school to apply for the Wisconsin School Health Award. Applications are due March 15, 2011!
• The CDC encourages schools to use the School Health Index, a self-assessment and planning tool that schools can use to improve their health and safety policies and programs. Note, the self-assessment process involves members of your school community coming together to discuss what your school is already doing to promote good health and to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Additionally, you might consider assessing your school district’s current Wellness Policy.
WellSAT provides a standard method for quantitative assessment of school wellness policies. The tool offers a consistent and reliable means of assessing the comprehensiveness and strength of school wellness policies. The tool takes about 45 minutes to complete.