As an educational practitioner, staying informed about the latest research and implementing evidence-based practices is crucial to improving student outcomes. A recent study, "A Novel Policy Alignment and Enhancement Process to Improve Sustainment of School-Based Physical Activity Programming," provides valuable insights into enhancing physical activity (PA) programming in schools. This blog will explore how you can apply the findings from this research to improve your school's PA policies and encourage further research in this area.
Understanding the EPIS Framework
The Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework is a multiphase model used to guide the implementation of evidence-based practices. The EPIS framework helps identify stakeholder needs, assess potential barriers and facilitators, monitor the implementation process, and create accountability measures to sustain programming. By using this framework, schools can systematically align and enhance their PA policies.
Steps to Implementing the EPIS Framework
Based on the research, here are the seven steps to align and enhance your school's PA policies using the EPIS framework:
- Policy Evaluation: Use tools like the Wellness School Assessment Tool (WellSAT) to evaluate the strength and comprehensiveness of your current PA policies.
- District Self-Evaluation: Conduct surveys and interviews with school leadership to identify current PA practices that may not be reflected in the policy.
- Tailored Policy Language: Use the self-evaluation data to add strong and comprehensive language to the policy, ensuring it aligns with current practices.
- District Workshop: Present the tailored policy to key stakeholders and conduct a SWOT analysis to gather feedback and assess feasibility.
- Development of Updated Policy and/or Alternate Sustainment Strategy: Based on the workshop feedback, finalize the updated policy or identify alternative strategies for sustaining PA programming.
- Policy/Strategy Implementation: Develop a timeline for obtaining approvals and implementing the policy or alternative strategies.
- Policy/Strategy Evaluation: Create accountability measures to monitor the sustained implementation of the updated policy or alternative strategies.
Benefits of Locally Developed Policies
Research indicates that locally developed policies are often stronger and more comprehensive than model policies provided by state or federal agencies. By involving local stakeholders in the policy development process, schools can ensure that the policies are tailored to their specific context, leading to better alignment and more successful implementation.
Overcoming Barriers to Implementation
Common barriers to implementing PA policies include funding, time constraints, and lack of stakeholder buy-in. The research suggests that engaging key stakeholders, including law firms and policy agencies, from the outset can help identify and address these barriers. Additionally, integrating PA programming into curriculum guides and school improvement plans can provide alternative strategies for sustaining PA practices.
Encouraging Further Research
While the EPIS framework and the policy alignment process have shown promising results, further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of alternative strategies for sustaining PA programming. As a practitioner, you can contribute to this research by documenting your experiences, sharing best practices, and collaborating with researchers to refine and improve the process.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A Novel Policy Alignment and Enhancement Process to Improve Sustainment of School-Based Physical Activity Programming.
