PREDICTORS OF OPINIONS OF K-12 HIGH AND LOW BMI STATE PRINCIPALS WITH VARYING DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN THE ROLE AS INSTRUCTIONAL CATALYST FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

The researcher’s purpose in the study was to examine the predictors of the opinions, attitudes or beliefs of K-12 high and low BMI state principals from varying demographic factors by serving in the role as instructional catalyst by leading classroom teachers in addressing childhood obesity and student wellness and for increasing students’ athletic participation. The differences in obesity rates between K-12 students in the eight highest obesity states and the eight lowest obesity states causes one to pause and to rethink the roles of educators in addressing childhood obesity and student wellness. A descriptive research study was conducted utilizing survey responses from K-12 principals. The major research question addressed: What are the predictors of the opinions, attitudes or beliefs of K-12 high and low BMI state principals from varying demographic factors by serving in the role as instructional catalyst by leading classroom teachers in addressing childhood obesity and student wellness for increasing students’ athletic participation? Nearly 600 principals responded, addressing the roles and directions of principals and avoiding the problem of the “imperfect panacea.