Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the development of new PE policy initiatives and their subsequent implementation in four Mississippi and four Tennessee high schools. A comparative case study approach (Yin, 2003) was adopted in which policy developments and implementation were analyzed and compared across eight high schools. Data collection involved 30 observations of PE classes and 72 interviews with lobbyists, legislators, state and district officials, principals, PE teachers, classroom teachers, guidance counselors, and students. Six themes emerged: Problematic policy enactment, Inadequate facilities, Overcrowding, Narrow PE curriculum, Standardized testing, and Bureaucracy. This work is well positioned to offer insight into attempts to bring about major change through new PE, and other, policy initiatives.