Adoption of Safe Routes to School in Canadian and the United States Contexts: Best Practices and Recommendations

Abstract

This article is the first attempt to examine SRTS at the state/provincial/city level to understand key adoption strategies using a realist approach. It found collaborative community-research partnerships that initiated SRTS and created cultural shifts in communities from the individual to policy level. Researchers, schools and communities interested in increasing school AT should consider SRTS as a valuable approach.

School Travel Planning with the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project: Partnership Perspectives

“…Key successes and benefits include: a) generated capacity to recruit community partners towards a lasting and trusting relationship; b) generated capacity of the community partners and researcher; c) established and guiding terms of reference leading to culturally and logistically appropriate research; d) achieved all data collection activities; e) partnership synergy accumulated capacity to sustain project goals beyond post-the funding period. Similar findings have been reported in the literature (Israel et al, 2013;Jagosh et al, 2015;Jagosh et al, 2012;Macridis & Bengoechea, 2015; Schensul, Berg, & Nair, 2013).…”

Collaboration Challenges and Opportunities: A Survey of School Foodservice Directors and Community Health Coalition Members

“…15 Though our literature search did not yield studies describing the role of CHCs in implementation of school nutrition programming, there is evidence that partnerships with state and local organizations and governments may result in: (1) beneficial outcomes for improving student academic, mental, and physical health, 16 (2) combining and streamlining of resources for student education and health, 17 (3) increasing selection of fruits and vegetables during school lunch, 18 and (4) adoption of active transportation best practices to increase physical activity of students. 19 Additionally, school collaboration with the Land Grant University Extension system has promising implications for nutrition education of students and parents. 20,21 Our initial interviews with CHCs indicated that coalitions view school wellness as an opportunity to promote nutrition education, school gardens, local foods, and effective/safe utilization of foods wasted during school meals.…”

Comparing Physical Activity Behavior of Children During School Between Balanced and Traditional School Day Schedules

“…A comprehensive school program includes a few key components: Government and school board leadership should develop Comprehensive School PA Programs that include recess, intramurals, interschool sports, classroom PA breaks, and walk and bicycle to school initiatives Government should find ways to alter curriculum to require daily physical education and/or PA opportunities (eg, daily PA) Schools promote PA in schools by providing opportunities for intramurals and interschool sports, incorporating PA and outdoor education into different subjects (eg, walks outside for science), and participation in PA‐related activities and festivals (eg, active and safe routes to school, international walk to school day, bike rodeos) Schools can also work with community organizations to support and promote in and out of school PA activities and interventions that can help change behavior, especially those targeting older children and girls …”