What Recess Policy? Assessing Arizona Schools’ Adherence to Senate Bill 1083

Abstract

Children’s health is affected by physical activity (PA) opportunities throughout the school day. Schools are a central venue for children meeting physical activity recommendations, and multiple areas, such as recess, have been established to protect against childhood obesity and overweight. Senate Bill 1083 is a law that addresses recess policies in Arizona that calls for students in Grades K–5 receive at least two recess periods per day. The purposes of this study were to explore Arizona charter and public elementary (K–5) school’s adherence to Senate Bill 1083 as well as investigate the barriers, if any, to implementing recess. A modified version of the School Physical Activity Policy Assessment survey was administered to members of the Arizona Health and Physical Education organization. Findings from the survey show that Arizona schools are not providing the recommended number of recess periods per day, and there are multiple barriers to recess implementation. Further investigations and bill modifications are needed.