| Childhood obesity is at an all time high and California public elementary schools are in a position to combat the epidemic. The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers', principals', and the superintendent's perceptions of factors influencing the implementation of standards-based elementary school physical education. Nine Title I elementary schools from one school district were purposefully selected.;Based on Ajzen and Madden's theory of perceived control behavior, four specific factors were studied. The four factors include physical education content knowledge, planning, resources, and support. Sequential explanatory mixed-methods data collection included a researcher-designed survey for both classroom teachers (N = 104) and principals (N = 6) and one 20-minute one-on-one interview with teachers (N = 15), principals (N = 6), and the district superintendent (N = 1 ).;Results from the one-way ANOVA (p < .05) indicate there is a significant difference between teachers in planning for physical education, not pushing physical education aside for other subjects, and principal, faculty, and grade-level support to teach physical education. Qualitative narrative supports the statistical data for teachers planning and support. This study concluded standards-based elementary school physical education can be implemented in Title I schools due to principal and teacher leadership. Recommendations for model elementary school physical education programs and policy changes are suggested. |
