Publication Date
11-7-2013
Document Type
Article
Keywords
Local wellness policy, Physical education
Abstract
Introduction
The federally mandated Local Wellness Policy (LWP) was intended to promote student health in schools. This study assesses the 5-year effects of the LWP on the health practices of rural elementary schools in Colorado.
Methods
One year before and 5 years after the LWP mandate, a survey was administered to a random sample of principals, physical education (PE) teachers, and food-service managers in 45 rural, low-income elementary schools in Colorado. Response rates were 71% in 2005 and 89% in 2011.
Results
Minutes for PE and recess did not increase, nor did offerings of fresh fruits and vegetables. More schools adopted policies prohibiting teachers from taking recess away as punishment (9.7% in 2005 vs 38.5% in 2011, P = .02) or for making up missed instructional time, class work, or tests in other subjects (3.2% in 2005 vs 28.2% in 2011, P = .03). More schools scheduled recess before lunch (22.6% in 2005 vs 46.2% in 2011, P = .04) and developed policies for vending machines (42.9% in 2005 vs 85.7% in 2011, P = .01) and parties (21.4% in 2005 vs 57.9% in 2011, P = .004).
Conclusion
Changes in school practices are modest, and arguably the important school practices such as increased PE and recess time and increased offerings of fruits and vegetables in the lunch line have not changed in the 5 years since the mandate went into effect. Further investigation is needed to identify the knowledge, skills, and attitudes as well as financial and physical resources required for school administrators to make changes in school practices.
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Publication Statement
Copyright held by the author or publisher. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Elaine S. Belansky, Nicholas J. Cutforth, Lynn Gilbert, Jill Litt, Hannah Reed, Sharon Scarbro, Julie A. Marshall
Provenance
Received from author
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
10 pgs
File Size
516 KB
Publication Title
Preventing Chronic Disease
Volume
10
First Page
1
Last Page
10
Recommended Citation
Belansky, E. S., Cutforth, N., Gilbert, L., Litt, J., Reed, H., Scarbro, S., & Marshall, J. A. (2013). Local Wellness Policy 5 Years Later: Is It Making a Difference for Students in Low-Income, Rural Colorado Elementary Schools? Preventing Chronic Disease, 10. https://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd10.130002
DOI Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd10.130002
Comments
Originally published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Preventing Chronic Disease. View published version here: https://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd10.130002