Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP)

The Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) is a national framework that has a goal to increase physical activity for students across the school setting. The goal is to make sure that students have at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day through an approach that involves various components.

CSPAP is made up of five components that work together to promote physical activity in schools. High-quality physical education serves as the foundation, which involves structured instruction that helps to develop motor skills, fitness knowledge, and help students with fundamental movement skills. Physical activity during school includes movement breaks in the classroom, active transitions, and recess, all of which help to reduce the amount of time spent sedentary in school and improve the focus of the student. Before- and after-school programs create opportunities for movement through different clubs and extracurricular activities. Staff involvement encourages school staff to model active lifestyles and participate in wellness initiatives, which helps to reinforce the importance of movement. Finally, family and community engagement connects school-based physical activity to home and community settings, which helps to strengthen the impact of CSPAP.

Together, these components create a comprehensive approach to increasing physical activity and helping to support student wellness across different environments.