Influencing Factors of School Physical Education Policy Implementation Based on AHP

Objectives: AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) is used to analyze the influencing factors of school physical education policy implementation. Methods: Based on the established hierarchical structure model of influencing factors of school physical education policy implementation, the importance of indicators in each level is compared in pairs, the judgment matrix is established step by step, the relative importance order weight of each level element is calculated, and the consistency test is carried out, and then the ranking of each level and the general ranking are obtained. Results: The results show that the principal, as the first responsible person for the implementation of school sports policy, plays a directional decisive role in the implementation of school sports policy. Organizational mechanism and funding guarantee factors are necessary conditions for the implementation of school sports policy, and school sports policy factors are a powerful driving force for the implementation of school sports policy. Conclusion: AHP provides theoretical reference for better understanding the influencing factors of school physical education policy implementation and putting forward corresponding intervention measures.

Chapter 2: Reversing Policy Neglect in U.S. Physical Education: A Policy-Focused Primer

Notwithstanding the contributions of a few policy experts, overall physical education is constrained by policy illiteracy and neglect. A brief historical perspective on physical education policy provides a foundation for “a policy primer” founded on three recurring needs: (a) antecedent and corequisite factors meriting attention in support of policy improvement, (b) field-wide capacity-building in support of policy advocacy and improvement, and (c) specialized policy courses and seminars in physical education teacher education and doctoral physical education teacher education programs. Recommendations for policy-focused research and development structure a new agenda that merits attention and action.

Designing and Implementing a Quality Physical Education Policy: Successes, Setbacks, and Lessons Learned From the Quality Physical Education Policy Project in Mexico

Background: Quality physical education (QPE) is part of a whole-of-school approach for school-based physical activity promotion. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization QPE Policy Project supported 4 countries to develop QPE policies. The authors summarize the process, progress, successes, setbacks, and lessons learned during the implementation of the project in Mexico. Methods: The project was developed from August 2016 to April 2018 following the methodology proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Adaptations to the methodology were made to meet local needs. Results and Discussion: The project successfully implemented the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization methodology and prepared a national strategy for the provision of QPE in Mexico. The national strategy progressed despite the change in presidential administration. Successes included the use of a QPE policy evaluation framework, the inclusion of stakeholders representing extreme PE views and from all regions in the country, and the presence of international agencies in the national team. Setbacks included difficulties in engaging key organizations and a weak communication campaign. Lessons learned are discussed. Conclusions: The QPE project in Mexico served as a pilot project to test the feasibility of implementing a QPE policy revision process. The experience and lessons learned in Mexico can be drawn on to inform the work of other stakeholders interested in advocating for a national QPE policy.