A mixed-methods evaluation of school-based active living programs

Background School-based programs to combat childhood obesity often lack resources to incorporate strong evaluation components. This paper describes a collaborative evaluation conducted by partners implementing Active Living by Design (ALbD) programs at one Chicago elementary school. Purpose To assess ALbD program outcomes by triangulating various forms of evidence gathered while implementing these programs. Methods An exploratory, mixed-methods design was used to collect and analyze data from numerous physical activity initiatives implemented at the school from 2004 to 2009. The researchers triangulated quantitative (student BMI data, student standardized test and discipline data, classroom physical activity logs, and student physical activity knowledge surveys) and qualitative (classroom physical activity logs and open-ended teacher surveys questions) findings to assess outcomes. Results Students continuously enrolled at this school from Grades 1 through 4, those most exposed to ALbD activities over time, had significantly lower BMI after 4 years, compared with peers who transferred to the school after Grade 1. Student achievement on standardized tests improved between 2004 (prior to initiating ALbD activities) and 2008. Visits to the Disciplinary Office dropped dramatically over the 4-year period. Teacher interviews and surveys and classroom Take 10! Program activity logs revealed that the program was implemented enthusiastically by all grades. The Physical Activity Knowledge Survey revealed a significant increase in physical activity knowledge after instituting these activities. Conclusions Collaborative efforts to amass and analyze a variety of data demonstrated the effects of implementing a variety of health promotion activities in one school, documenting the growth of a “culture of health” in that school community.