title: Physical education and student activity: evaluating implementation of a new policy in Los Angeles public schools.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  California law has standards for physical education (PE) instruction in K-12 public schools; audits found that the Los Angeles Unified School District did not enforce the standards. In 2009, the district adopted a PE policy to comply with these standards.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the PE policy in district schools.
  
  
  METHODS
  PE class observations were conducted using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time in the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years in an income-stratified random sample of 34 elementary, middle, and high schools to assess changes in PE class size, class duration, and time students spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PE class duration increased in high-income elementary schools. Mean class size decreased in low-income middle schools.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was limited implementation of the PE policy 2 years after passage. Opportunities exist to continue monitoring and improving PE quantity and quality.
authors: Samuels & Associates, 1222 Preservation Way, Oakland, CA 94612, USA. mariah@samuelsandassociates.com
authors: Mariah
authors: M
authors: Lafleur
authors: Seth
authors: S
authors: Strongin
authors: Brian L
authors: BL
authors: Cole
authors: Sally Lawrence
authors: SL
authors: Bullock
authors: Rajni
authors: R
authors: Banthia
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Craypo
authors: Ramya
authors: R
authors: Sivasubramanian
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Samuels
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: García
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012574:Schools