Advocacy Guidelines and Resources
Unfortunately quality physical education is not happening everywhere. While some of this is due to ineffective teaching practices, we believe the large bulk of responsibility lies with inappropriate education policies (contact hours, class sizes, etc.) and lack of support (professional development opportunities, facilities, etc.).
Use the resources on this page, and our other advocacy pages, to advocate for quality physical education (policies) in your community.
Use the resources on this page, and our other advocacy pages, to advocate for quality physical education (policies) in your community.
Stone Soup Fable (from our documentary)
Who Am I?
Advocacy Guidelines
- Be proactive rather than reactive. If you wait until your program needs advocacy, it may be too late.
- Collaborate with class teachers and involve their content in your classes.
- Communicate to stakeholders via school functions, class website, newsletters, presentations, videos, social media, etc.
- Get local support via petitions and invite the community to your classes.
- Know your "Why" and have a prepared "elevator speech."
- Involve people who fight for social justice (articles on PE and social justice).
- Pledge your commitment to quality physical education: Coalition for Quality Physical Education Pledge.
- Provide testimony at local, state, and national forums (ie. SPEAK Out! Day and Congressional Physical Activity Caucus). See this advocacy kit for resources on the political process for educational bills.
- Respond to state and national legislation initiatives.
- Share what you do with parents (example 1 and example 2) and participate in Take Your Parent to PE Week.
- Start with easy advocacy strategies such using a school bulletin board and building a support team.
- Write blog posts and post advocacy comments on online articles related to physical education (Levels of Online Advocacy).
- 5 Ways to Change How Other Teachers View PE
- 13 Tips to Help You Advocate for Health & PE
- Advocacy ABCs
- Advocacy Tips (SHAPE America)
- Advocating for Physical Education
- Find Your PE Leader and "Demand a Seat at the Table"
- Physical Education Advocacy Amplified: Elevating Your Voice
- Steps for Creating a Live or Virtual Advocacy Day
- Strengthen Physical Education in Schools (CDC)
- Using Evidence to Advocate for High Quality Physical Education
Advocacy Resources and Toolkits
- #QualityPE Social Media Toolkit
- 8 Ways to Break Stereotypes in PE
- Administrator Series (SHAPE America)
- Advocacy for PE and Physical Activity (SPARK)
- Advocacy Homepage (SHAPE America)
- Advocacy Toolbox (National Academy of Health & Physical Literacy)
- How to Influence the Development of Quality Physical Education Policy: A Policy Advocacy Toolkit for Youth
- I'm Ready to Speak Up... (MOAHPERD)
- Promoting Quality Physical Education Policy (UNSECO)
- Submit an Advocacy Alert and/or Speak with an Advocacy Expert (SPARK)
- Title IV-A Coalition Resources
- Tools and Resources (Active Living Research)
Advocacy Infographics
Advocacy Newsletters, Videos, and Websites
It is important for physical education teachers to inform parents and administrators about the great things they are doing in their classes. Share what you do in your class, why it is important, and how they can support your efforts at home. These advocacy efforts can help garner support for your program from parents and administration if budget cuts become a threat.
Tips and Resources for Presenting to a School Board
- Show evidence of student learning through personal case studies, assessments, and student testimonials.
- Be prepared for possible arguments that may be made for not following physical education guidelines and recommendations (ie. course substitutions/waivers).
- Share local, state, and national guidelines and recommendations; organizational position statements on physical education; and research studies that support physical activity and physical education.
- Tailor presentations to the stakeholders you are addressing and collaborate with other education professionals.
Most Important Job in America Campaign
"What is the most important job in America? Have you ever thought about this question? It is a job that improves students’ academic results, improves children’s health, reduces children’s stress and anxiety, develops children’s character and confidence, reduces the chance kids will smoke or do drugs, improves national security, and provides a pathway to life-long well-being. It is a job which is overlooked and disrespected by 1000’s of schools in America – It is a physical education teacher. This is the conclusion by a successful executive who has managed major companies and been inducted into two Hall of Fames (Full Press Release)."
Use these graphics, videos, and flyers to spread the message about the importance of physical education. Additional resources for this initiative can be found on PHIT America's webpage.