Rapid Evaluation
Michigan’s Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum
Public Health Problem
Overweight and inactivity are problems among youth in Michigan. Research has shown
that physical inactivity is the most common risk factor for chronic disease.
In 2007 in Michigan
- 12% of high school students were obese and 17% were overweight.
- Less than half (44%) of high school students met recommended levels
of physical activity.
- 15% of high school students did not participate in 60 minutes or more of
physical activity any day.
Initiative Description
To address physical inactivity, the Michigan Departments of Education and
Health have supported the development of the Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum (EPEC).
The EPEC program
- Enhances physical activity knowledge; personal and social skills; motor skills;
and physical activity and fitness levels to equip students to be active for life.
- Aims to improve confidence and fitness levels through increased competence in
these skills.
- Consists of lessons that address each of the content standards from the
National Association of Sport and Physical Education and the Michigan Physical
Education Content Standards.
- Works in the most common Michigan physical education class time frame of 2
days per week for 30 minutes each time and has lessons for grades K–12.
Evaluation
The evaluation of EPEC measured its effectiveness in improving student attitudes
and confidence in physical activity, motor skills, physical activity levels,
and fitness among 4th and 5th grade students. The evaluation followed 1,464
students who received EPEC and who received physical education curricula other
than EPEC in 16 Michigan schools from the fall of 2004 through spring 2006.
Findings
Compared with same-grade students receiving alternate physical education curricula
- Fourth-grade students exposed to EPEC had greater levels of confidence in their
ability to perform motor skills.
- Fifth-grade students exposed to EPEC had greater levels of physical
activity knowledge.
- Fourth- and 5th-grade students exposed to EPEC demonstrated higher levels of
motor skills.
- Fourth-grade students exposed to EPEC reported more total minutes of physical activity.
- Fourth-grade students exposed to EPEC reported more energy during physical activity.
Implications
EPEC represents a new generation of curricula focused on motor skills. Learning
and performing motor skills occur through individual and team physical activities;
these gains in skills could ultimately enable lifelong fitness. This curriculum has
since become part of Michigan’s coordinated school health program and help to increase
health behaviors among Michigan students.
Sample Tools and Instruments
This section contains selected data collection tools and instruments that were
used in this project. These sample instruments are posted as examples to guide
development of instruments for other projects, but are not intended to be used in
their current form, as they have been tailored to address specific evaluation questions
of interest to the Michigan Department of Education.
EPEC Implementation Questionnaire
[doc 105K]
Questionnaire for PE teachers that assesses PE class format and training for
and use of the Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum.
Michigan Physical Education Evaluation Teacher Survey
[doc 21K]
Questionnaire for PE teachers that assesses teacher preparation; curriculum use, content,
and training; PE class format; perceived support from school staff, parents, and students;
fiscal support for PE; and PE-related events in the school.
Michigan Physical Education Evaluation Teacher PE Implementation Logs
[doc 77K]
Logs that identify lessons covered in PE classes and the time spent preparing students;
explaining/demonstrating, practicing, and reviewing skills and activities; and managing
the classroom. These also measure curricular fidelity, teachers’ comfort with the lessons,
and perceptions of student engagement. Teachers complete one log for each lesson taught.
Includes logs for year 1 and year 2.
For More Information
Additional information about this rapid evaluation, including the full evaluation report,
is available from the Michigan Department of Education. Related publications are listed
on the Publications page.
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