This text is designed to help the reader develop an understanding of the socio-cultural foundations of developmental physical activity as they relate to the developing profession of physical education and educational sport. These foundations all lead in the direction of developing a better understanding of life and living. Such understanding should be of the past as well as the present. Additionally, it should continue on as we peer into an unknown future.

Even though Physical Education is considered as a basic right of all children, views vary on what comprises quality Physical Education; Huge differences exist between countries and regions. In this important book the situation of Physical Education is compared by means of a worldwide survey. This allows the definition of some universally accepted features and concepts, and of appropriate responses to common problems. It is the first publication to provide concentrated information on the state of PE around the world.

Physical inactivity is a key determinant of health across the lifespan. A lack of activity increases the risk of heart disease, colon and breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and others diseases. Emerging literature has suggested that in terms of mortality, the global population health burden of physical inactivity approaches that of cigarette smoking. The prevalence and substantial disease risk associated with physical inactivity has been described as a pandemic. The prevalence, health impact, and evidence of changeability all have resulted in calls for action to increase physical activity across the lifespan. In response to the need to find ways to make physical activity a health priority for youth, the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment was formed. Its purpose was to review the current status of physical activity and physical education in the school environment, including before, during, and after school, and examine the influences of physical activity and physical education on the short and long term physical, cognitive and brain, and psychosocial health and development of children and adolescents. Educating the Student Body makes recommendations about approaches for strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment. This report lays out a set of guiding principles to guide its work on these tasks. These included: recognizing the benefits of instilling life-long physical activity habits in children; the value of using systems thinking in improving physical activity and physical education in the school environment; the recognition of current disparities in opportunities and the need to achieve equity in physical activity and physical education; the importance of considering all types of school environments; the need to take into consideration the diversity of students as recommendations are developed. This report will be of interest to local and national policymakers, school officials, teachers, and the education community, researchers, professional organizations, and parents interested in physical activity, physical education, and health for school-aged children and adolescents.

Philosophy of Physical Activity Education (Including Educational Sport) is designed to help you develop an early philosophic perspective of physical activity education, including educational sport. In the process you will also come to understand selected aspects of the field's historical background as a developing academic field and discipline. The field is called sport and physical education in the United States currently. However, as we move along in the 21st century, it is still designated as physical and health education in Canada. The term used most often to name the field worldwide is physical education and sport. Despite its obvious importance, there has been a gradual decline of physical activity education philosophy, including educational sport, within the professional curricula of physical activity educators and coaches. This appears to have taken place since the adoption in the 1970s of an almost pure analytic philosophical approach to the detriment of almost any applied philosophic endeavor. As you develop an understanding about your chosen life work, the author hopes that you, as a prospective professional educator, will be stimulated to examine yourself and your beliefs more carefully than ever before. If you will do this conscientiously, the result will be an under-girding personal philosophy that is sound, consistent, and logical.