Research
In physical activity pedagogy, faculty research focuses on enhancing the quality of instruction to improve physical activity participation in schools and communities in the state of Idaho and beyond. Faculty members have gained a strong reputation in the assessment of physical activity and physical education.
In order to better understand how to practically assess physical activity in physical education, and how physical education is contributing to physical activity levels of students, faculty are developing standards for measuring physical education physical activity, and conducting physical activity surveillance within K-12 physical education. A recent study examines the validity of practical physical activity assessment technologies in measuring moderate to vigorous physical activity. Another study examines the prevalence of students achieving compliance of Idaho physical education physical activity standards, and explores correlates of students achieving and not achieving physical education physical activity standards.
A recent outreach project examined, assessed and developed physical activity policies and behaviors in rural school districts to enhance physical activity behavior during physical education, during the school day and before and after school.
In collaboration with the City of Moscow, funds totaling $218,000 have been awarded from the Idaho Department of Transportation to improve infrastructure and educate schools and communities for safe biking and walking to school. PETE students have been involved in numerous activities to enhance biking and walking safely to school.