title: Incorporating physical activity into the schools using a 3-tiered approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Public health models have been used to address a number of school-based concerns, notably in the identification and treatment of students at-risk for academic or behavioral deficits. Significant benefits are associated with this model as, compared to a traditional approach, the focus is shifted from remediation to prevention, and from student pathology to student strengths.
  
  
  METHODS
  Although this model has been applied to multiple populations and used across a variety of settings, it has yet to be conceptualized as a framework for the integration of school-based physical activity (PA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  This article first reviews the public health service delivery model as well as the benefits of PA on children's physical health, mental health, and cognitive outcomes. Second, suggestions for incorporating PA into the schools using a 3-tiered system and as barriers to success are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  School-based PA is a promising tool-and yet an overlooked and undervalued intervention-for a number of concerns applicable to children's academic achievement and overall mental health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, 236 Dickey Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0219, USA. alicia.fedewa@uky.edu
authors.forename: Alicia L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Fedewa
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Candelaria
authors.forename: Heather E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Erwin
authors.forename: Teresa P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012574:Schools