The SPARK Programs

School physical education (PE) and recess are important sources for promoting physical activity and helping to control for obesity among children. PE teaches important knowledge, movement, and social skills, and provides opportunities for children to participate in physical activity that is needed for immediate and long-term physical fitness and health benefits. Recess and lunch periods provide additional opportunities for children to be physically active and to practice their movement skills during structured and non-structured leisure time. During spring 2004 we conducted systematic observations directly in these environments to assess children’s physical activity levels and associated variables. These assessments were in addition to the feedback that participants, primarily teachers, provided about the staff development and value of the programs after each inservice they attended. Methods Eight San Diego City Schools were identified to participate in the more extensiv