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conferenceseries
.com
Volume 8
Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy
ISSN: 2165-7904
Childhood Obesity 2018
March 15-16, 2018
March 15-16, 2018 | Barcelona, Spain
11
th
International Conference on
Childhood Obesity and Nutrition
Attitudes and knowledge of educators about the ESSA
Megan Weemer
Indiana State University, USA
C
hildhood obesity rates have reached epidemic levels. Today, about 17% of US children are obese. Health risks assocaited
with childhood obesity have serious lifelong health implications. Schools seem to be a logical setting to provide movement
opportunities. One piece of legislation aimed at making physical activity in schools a bigger priority is the Every Student
Succeeed Act (ESSA). ESSA will replace No Child Left Behind (NCLB) as national education policy beginning in 2017. ESSA is
a deliberate move to put more control of decisions back into the hands of the states and local education agencies. ESSAs goal of
a ‘well round education’ means more funding can be directed towards subjects such as physical education and health education.
Federal dollars can now support efforts to decrease the obesity epidemic. With the change in legislation, this study examined
the attitudes and knowledge of a selected group of public school educators from Illinois about their knowledge related to the
ESSA and the importance of physical activity. Illinois is one of only six states that already has policies in compliance with
NASPE elemntary PE recommendations. Illinois also mandates daily PE for grades K-12. Adherence of individual schools to
these policies appears to be lower than one might expect. Preliminary data suggest perceptions of the current PE curriculum
influences support for PE. Those with positive perceptions are more likely to support PE and be well informed about legisaltive
efforts such as the ESSA. Many decision makers call for more innovative approaches and for certified teachers.
mweemer@sycamores.indstate.eduJ Obes Weight Loss Ther 2018, Volume 8
DOI: 10.4172/2165-7904-C1-058