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Activity Number: 295 - SPEED: Big Data, Small Area Estimation, and Methodological Innovations Under Development, Part 1
Type: Contributed
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
Sponsor: Survey Research Methods Section
Abstract #306777 Presentation
Title: Multilevel Models for Assessing the Impact of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program
Author(s): Ronaldo Iachan*
Companies: ICF Macro, Inc.
Keywords: Multilevel; student surveys; accelerometry
Abstract:

This paper presents statistical methods used in an evaluation of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program (PYFP), a multi-component intervention designed to improve standard physical education (PE) practices in schools. The evaluation was supported through a partnership between the National Fitness Foundation and the CDC with additional funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The evaluation used a mixed-methods, two-group, quasi-experimental design with more than 2,000 students in 26 middle schools (13 PYFP and 13 comparison) with at least 4 classes per school. Data sources included FitnessGram® assessments, accelerometry recordings, and surveys with students, PE teachers and administrators. PYFP and comparison schools were matched on school size, percentage of free and reduced lunch students, geographic area, and racial/ethnic distribution. For each outcome measure, we developed multilevel multivariate models that incorporated teacher and school effects and controlled for a range of demographic covariates. This analysis is focused on the objective measures of physical activity for more than 500 students during one week twice in the semester.


Authors who are presenting talks have a * after their name.

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