Sofit Test

SOFIT
(System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time)
Generic Description and Procedures Manual
Thomas L. McKenzie, Ph.D.

School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182
[email protected]
June 1, 2009
INSTRUMENT PURPOSE: To obtain simultaneous objective data on student activity levels, the lesson context in
which they occur, and how teachers interact regarding promoting physical activity and fitness during physical
education, exercise classes, and sport practices.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I wish to thank James Sallis (San Diego State University) and Patty Strikmiller (Tulane
University) for their assistance and support with SOFIT since 1990.
MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 1

Table of Contents
Page Topic
3. Introduction
4. Factors in Selecting Lessons for Observation
5. Observer Training, Reliability, Reactivity
6. SOFIT Technical Description
8. SOFIT Methodology
8. SOFIT Definitions and Coding Conventions
10. Teacher Interactions
11. Teacher Involvement Categories
12. Practical Directions for Observers
15. Reliability Checks
16. Completing the Observation Form
18. SOFIT Recording Form
19. SOFIT Summary Form
20. SOFIT Coding Conventions
22. PEOF Protocol
24. PEOF Recording Form
25. Cancelled Lesson Form
26. Data Tracking Form
27. SOFIT References
29. SOFIT Pacing Cues
30. SOFIT Observer Training DVD

1. INTRODUCTION
SOFIT (System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time) is a comprehensive tool for assessing
physical education classes by providing for the simultaneous collection of data on student
activity levels, the lesson context, and teacher behavior. Physical activity engagement is one of
the main health-related goals of physical education and it is needed in order for students to
become physically fit and physically skilled. Participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical
activity (MVPA) during class is highly dependent upon how physical education subject matter is
delivered (i.e., lesson context) and the instructor delivering it (i.e., teacher behavior).
SOFIT has been validated in several ways and studies have shown that it can be used reliably
in diverse instructional settings. It has been frequently used as direct observation measurement
system to provide both practitioners and researchers with both objective baseline and
intervention data. This includes information on:
Outcome variables:
1. Student physical activity levels: number of minutes and % lesson time spent in MVPA
(moderate-to-vigorous PA); VPA (vigorous PA); lying down, sitting, standing, and walking;
estimated energy expenditure per lesson (kcal/kg); and estimated energy expenditure rate
(kcal/kg/min)
Process variables:
1. Schedule of PE: Frequency of lessons and adherence to schedule (i.e., cancelled lessons);
duration of scheduled and actual length of lessons
2. Lesson Context: minutes and % lesson time spent in management, instruction, fitness, skill
drills, game play, and other
3. Instructor Behavior: % lesson intervals spent promoting activity and fitness during and out-of-
class time.
SOFIT enables researchers, teachers, and supervisors to make judgments about physical
education lessons, particularly as they relate to program goals. The protocols identified here are
for a generic study. Individual researchers need to design adaptations that will best answer their
study goals.
2. SCHEDULE OF ASSESSMENT (TO BE DETERMINED BY PROJECT LEADERS)

SOFIT observations will occur during the following measurement periods (dates):
________________ until __________________.
2.1. Scheduling visits during each measurement period

• Each school will be visited __ times per measurement period.
• During each visit, ___ PE classes will be observed (i.e., total of ____
lessons/school/measurement period).
• Consecutive visits to the same school/class should occur at least __ weeks apart (in
order to be representative, including seasonality). Go on different days.
• Preferably measure on days considered as ‘normal.’
• Distribute SOFIT measures across a wide and entire measurement window (for
program generalizability)
• Project coordinator will call the school 24-48 hours prior to a scheduled visit to verify that
PE classes will be held as scheduled. If PE classes are not held, observers will
reschedule the visit as soon as possible.
• A missed visit to a school (e.g., storm day) should be rescheduled as soon as possible.
• Lessons observed for less than 16 minutes (secondary level) will not be entered for
analyses, and the observation must be rescheduled).

3. PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS ELIGIBILITY
Physical education lessons that include students in grade(s) _________ will be assessed.
NOTE: SOFIT typically serves as lesson-level analysis. It can be used to assess individual
levels of physical activity by focusing on one student throughout a lesson.
4. FACTORS IN SELECTING LESSONS FOR OBSERVATION

SOFIT variables (and any data collected in PE) are affected by a number of factors, including
those in Table 1. Thus, for a true picture of the conduct of PE in schools it is important to
sample periodically.
Table 1. Factors influencing SOFIT data.
Instructional goalsa
-fitness, skill, knowledge, social/emotional development
Instructional content
-type of unitb
-lesson placement in unitc
Class characteristics
-sized
-diversitye
Environmental conditions
-size and location of instructional spacef
-equipment and suppliesg
-weatherh
a
PE has many different goals; a single lesson might target a specific outcome and exclude
others; outcomes change as teachers move through instructional units.
b
Activities (e.g., sports) promote different activity levels (e.g., soccer=high MVPA; softball, track
and field, gymnastics which are often held in the spring=low MVPA).
c
Initial weeks of a unit typically have higher instruction and management time; the last weeks
have more game play.
d
Larger classes are associated with less MVPA and more management time.
e
Having more objectives in a lesson are associated with increased instruction and management
(transitions) time and reduced MVPA.
f
MVPA is reduced in smaller spaces, including indoor classes; because of inclement weather,
outdoor lessons may be cancelled OR taken indoors impacting the MVPA of students already
in indoor spaces.
g
More equipment and supplies are associated with increased student opportunities to respond
and MVPA.
h
Very hot, humid, and cold weather inhibits MVPA.

To obtain valid measures activity levels, lesson context, and teacher behavior it is essential to
select a representative sample of the PE lessons that students receive at a specific school. The
lessons sampled should be representative of the school in terms of:
• grade level
• lesson content (during a visit and across measurement periods)
• days of the week in which PE is taught
• different teachers instructing PE
It is important, for example, that the lessons observed at a school not consist only of a single
teacher instructing basketball on Mondays. To obtain a representative sample for a
school/teacher, before observations are scheduled, the Measurement Coordinator should
review the teaching schedules for all PE teachers, including grade levels and instructional units
being taught (e.g., basketball, aerobic dance).
5. OBSERVER TRAINING, RELIABILITY, RECALIBRATION, AND REACTIVITY
1. During initial training, observers complete standardized classroom training, video analysis,
field practice, and certification assessments. Retraining experienced observers and training
of new ones will be conducted prior to each measurement period. The 93 minute SOFIT
Observer Training DVD developed by Dr. McKenzie in 2009 and made available through
Active Living Research in San Diego will be used for both training and assessing observers.
It is recommended, however, that researchers working on large or very specialized projects
create their own assessment tapes so that specific contextual events can be captured.
2. Accuracy will be assessed with periodic evaluations of pre-coded gold-standard video

segments by observers. Summary statistics from the observer and the gold-standard videos
will be compared.
3. During each measurement period, approximately ____% (e.g., 12%) of SOFIT lessons will
be coded simultaneously by two independent observers. Only data from the designated
“lead” observer for the lesson will be used for analysis. Percent agreement between scores
from the “lead” and “reliability” observers will be computed on an interval by interval basis. A
minimum of 80% agreement between scores is expected. The table in Section 9.7 in MOP
explains how to compute reliability. Reliability should be computed in the field, or at least the
same day, so that immediate feedback is available.
4. If a reliability score between observers is less than 80%, both the lead observer and the
reliability observer should follow these steps until the reason for low agreement is resolved:
(a) close scrutiny of the protocols and review of definitions, followed by in-house
discussions to identify possible areas of disagreement;
(b) review the SOFIT training video together, and
(c) complete live practice sessions with the lead observer.
If the reason(s) for disagreement are ones that should be shared with all the SOFIT
measurement staff, then steps a-c should be done with the entire group.
5. Reliability below 80% does not preclude continuing SOFIT observations until the steps in
item 4 above are completed, but discussions should immediately take place to assess why
the reliability is low. If the difference is in overall reliability, try to determine which particular
section is causing the disagreements, and focus discussions and retraining on that section. If
reliability is a problem in many sections, refresher work should take place as soon as
possible.

6. Reducing Reactivity. When visiting schools avoid indicating exactly which PE lessons you
will be observing as long as possible. You are a visitor to class/school and are there to “see
what students do during PE lessons.” Do not tell teachers which students you will observe or
what the specific categories mean. Thank teachers for allowing you to visit. Avoid providing
them (and others) feedback about the lesson, including the time and /percentages of
occurrence for any category or how you perceived how the class went.
Look globally when observing. Do not stare directly at a target student or the teacher. You
do, however, need to the student's activity level at the record signal. Avoid being distracted
by unusual events. Be polite when asked by students and others about what you are doing in
class. Respond in a businesslike manner such as, "I'm sorry, I'm in the middle of a task. I will
try to answer your question at the end of class.” If needed, pause your audio pacing device.
6. SOFIT TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION (ABBREVIATED)

SOFIT is conceptualized as a 3-phase decision system. Observers code student physical
activity, lesson context, and teacher interaction/involvement in sequence during each 10-
second record interval.
Phase 1. Student physical activity engagement.
The first phase of the decision sequence involves coding student physical activity levels. The
engagement decision is made by observing a pre-selected student and determining his/her
level of physical activity (i.e., active engagement level). The engagement level provides an
estimate of the intensity of the student's physical activity. Codes 1 to 4 correspond to various
body positions (i.e., lying down, sitting, standing, walking), and code 5 (vigorous) corresponds
to energy expenditure beyond what is needed for ordinary walking. Higher codes indicate
greater energy expenditure.
What is the physical nature of the student's engagement? What is his/her activity level?
Choices: (1) Lying down
(2) Sitting
(3) Standing
(4) Walking
(5) Vigorous

Phase 2. Lesson context/content.
The second phase of the decision sequence involves coding for the curricular lesson context
(i.e., how is the lesson content being delivered). For each observation sample (a 10-second
interval), a decision is made regarding whether lesson time is being allocated for general
content (M) (such as management) or for actual PE unit content. If lesson content is occurring,
an additional decision is made to determine whether the focus of the lesson is on knowledge
(K) or motor (physical activity) content. If motor content is occurring, a further decision is
necessary to code whether the context is one of fitness (F), skill practice (S), game play (G) or
other (O).
The context of the lesson is determined by how time is being allocated for the class as a whole
(at least 51% of the students)?
Choices: General content (M) Knowledge content (K) Motor content

transition physical fitness fitness (F)
management general knowledge skill practice(S)
break rules, strategy game play (G)
social behavior other (O)
technique
Phase 3. Teacher behavior.

Two options are available, and their selection depends upon the objectives of the study.
Teacher Interaction (3A) is used when assessors are mainly interested in teacher behavior that
is related primarily to physical activity and physical fitness promotion. The original categories
(1991) for Teacher Involvement (in 3B below) are used when the research interest is related
more to general teacher behavior.
Phase 3A. Teacher interaction. (Physical Activity Promotion)

The third phase of the decision sequence involves coding the teacher's interactions during the
interval regarding the promotion of physical activity, motor skills, or fitness. Interactions are
classified as (I) when in-class physical activity or fitness is promoted, (O) when out-of-class
physical activity or fitness is promoted, and (N) when neither in- nor out-of-class physical
activity or fitness is promoted.
Did the teacher promote physical activity, fitness, or motor skills during the interval?
Choices: Promotes in-class physical activity, fitness, or motor skills (I)

Promotes out-of-class physical activity, fitness, or motor skills (O)
No, does not promote in- or out-of-class physical activity, fitness, or motor skills (N)
Phase 3B. Teacher involvement. (General: The Original Teacher Behavior Categories)
What is the teacher doing?
Choices: (P). promotes fitness (prompts, encourages, praises, etc.)
(D). demonstrates fitness (models)
(I). instructs generally
(M). manages
(O). observes
(T). other-task

7. SOFIT METHODOLOGY
Data collection: Pre-recorded verbal prompts on CDs, MP3s, or audiotapes keep observers on
pace throughout a lesson via alternating 10-second observe/record prompts. During each
record interval the observer enters a code for each of the three phases of decision sequence.
Observation technique: Code Student Activity and Lesson Context for events that are
occurring at the “record” prompt to end the observation interval. Enter the Interaction code
based teacher promotion of physical activity or fitness during the entire 10-second observation
interval.
Interval length: Alternately “observe” and “record” during 10-second intervals. This yields 3
observations per minute and 90 observations per half-hour. Note: Observe for student level of
activity, lesson context, and instructor interaction during the “observe” interval and record the
results during the “record” interval (i.e., one line on the data recording form).
Selection of students: Select five target students for each lesson. Observe Student One for 4
minutes, and then rotate your focus on the four students for four minutes each until the lesson
ends. Use the fifth student as a back-up. See section 9.3 for more details. Begin the
observation period when the teacher and 51% of the class has reached the instructional station
and continue until half the class has departed from the area. A 32-minute lesson would yield 96
observation intervals (24 samples with 4 different students each).
Data Yield: Data may be summarized by time (3 intervals = 1 minute), percent of intervals or
lesson time, or estimated energy expenditure. Comparisons may be made among different
categories, from class to class over time, or to established standards.
8. SOFIT DEFINITIONS AND CODING CONVENTIONS
8.1. Student activity levels

Code the activity level/ body position of a target student into one of the five following categories
using momentary time sampling (i.e., code a number to indicate what the student is doing at the
“record” prompt):
1. lying
2. sitting
3. standing
4. walking
5. vigorous
Code levels 1-4 (lying, sitting, standing, walking), unless the student is expending more energy
than that required for an ordinary walk.
Code level 5 (vigorous) if the activity the student is doing at that moment requires expending
more energy than he/she would during ordinary walking (do not consider body position only).
For example, code 5 (vigorous) when the student is running, jogging, skipping, hopping,
wrestling with a peer (even though lying on her back), and pedaling on a moving or stationary
bike (even though sitting).
When the student is in transition from one category to another, enter the code for the higher
category. For example, code level 2 (sitting) if at the record signal the student is partially lying
down and partially sitting up; code level 3 (standing) when the student is kneeling.

8.2. Lesson context
Lesson Context refers to how physical education subject matter is delivered. Code the lesson
context to indicate the primary delivery system operating using momentary time sampling (i.e.,
code M, K, F, S, G, or O at the “record” prompt).
General Content (M) Refers to lesson time when students are not intended to be involved in
physical education content, including transition, management, and break times. Transition
includes time allocated to managerial and organizational activities related to instruction such as
team selection, changing equipment, moving from one space to another, changing stations,
teacher explanation of organizational arrangement, and changing activities within a lesson.
Management includes time devoted to class business that is unrelated to instructional activity
such as taking attendance, discussing a field trip, or collecting money for class pictures. Break
includes time devoted to rest and/or discussion of non-subject matter related issues such as
getting a drink of water, talking about last night's ball game, telling jokes, celebrating the
birthday of a class member, or discussing the results of a class election.
Knowledge Content (K) Refers to lesson time when the primary focus is on student acquisition
of knowledge related to physical education, not activity engagement. Knowledge is typically
related to: (a) Physical activity and fitness (i.e., information related to physical activity or
physical fitness concepts, including endurance, strength, and flexibility), and (b) General
Knowledge (information related to areas other than physical activity and fitness, such as history,
technique, strategy, rules, and social behavior).
PE Motor Content Refers to lesson time when the primary focus is on student motor
engagement (i.e., physical activity). Categories include fitness (F), skill practice (S), game play
(G), and other/free play (O).
Fitness (F). Time allocated to activities whose major purpose is to alter the physical state of
the individual in terms of cardiovascular endurance, strength, or flexibility. This includes
aerobic dance, calisthenics, distance running, weight training, agility training, fitness
testing, and warm-up and cool down activities. Code relays conducted with more than
three per team as games (G), not fitness.
Skill Practice (S). Activity time devoted to practice of skills with the primary goal of skill
development (e.g., volleyball passing drills, exploring movement forms in creative dance,
and practicing dribbling a basketball, dance steps, or balance beam skills). Included is
time devoted to the refinement and extension of skills in an applied setting (similar to the
one in which the skill is actually used) during which there is frequent instruction and
feedback (e.g., scrimmage).
Game play (G). Activity time devoted to the application of skills in a game or competitive
setting. Game participants generally perform without major intervention from the
instructor, such as during volleyball and tag games, balance beam routines, and folk
dance performances.
Free play (O). Refers to free play time during which physical education instruction is not
intended. This time resembles recess during which students may select to participate or
not.
NOTES: Transition time that occurs naturally within an activity is coded as part of that activity rather than
as management (M). For example, time spent moving from one fitness station to another is coded (F),
and changing sides of the court during a volleyball game is coded (G). Enter a new code is when the
game or transition is halted for more than 10 seconds (usually for M or K).

8.3. Select 8.3A or 8.3B
8.3A. Teacher interactions (related to physical activity & fitness promotion)

Code the appropriate letter (I O N) to indicate whether or not during the observe interval the
teacher provides specific verbal or nonverbal interactions to promote students to engage in
physical activity, motor skills, or fitness. Interactions are classified into one of three categories.
Score (I) when the instructor promotes in-class physical activity, motor skills, or fitness; and
score (O) when the instructor promotes out-of-class physical activity, motor skills, or fitness.
Score (N) when the instructor does not promote either in- or out-of- class physical activity or
fitness.
Use partial interval recording (i.e., record promoting if it occurs at any time during the 10-
second observation interval). The interaction can be directed to any student in class, not just
the target student.
Promotes in-class MVPA (physical activity/fitness/motor skills) (I). Promotes in-class physical
activity/fitness or motor skill engagement by prompting or encouraging physical or fitness
activity during the interval. For example, (a) attempts to initiate or increase student
engagement in a physical or fitness activity; or (b) praises or reinforces physical/fitness
activity (e.g., makes a statement or gesture during or following a student activity
engagement clearly designed to increase or maintain such responses in the future). Code
“I” for prompting and praising students during fitness testing; simply entering fitness data
or providing a score would be coded “N.”
Promotes out-of-class MVPA (physical activity/fitness/motor skills) (O). Promotes out-of-class

MVPA (including physical activity/fitness and motor skills engagement) beyond the PE
lesson. For example, (a) attempts to initiate or increase student engagement in fitness,
physical activity, or motor skills outside of PE class; or (b) praises or reinforces these
behaviors for occurring beyond class (e.g., at school, home, or in the community).
No promotion (N). Code “N” as default when neither in-class (I) or out-of-class (O) physical
activity/fitness were promoted by the instructor during the interval.
NOTES: While unlikely, it is possible to record both I and O for the same interval. Code N only
if no promotion occurs in the interval.
During lessons that are team-taught, record the interactions of the instructor who is responsible
for the target student. This instructor could change periodically during the lesson.
I. In-class examples
a) Initiates or increases student activity engagement
-“10 push ups, begin”
-“swing through faster on your forehand”
-“go, go, hustle”
b) Praises or reinforces
-“nicely done on that move”
-“that’s the way to hustle into position”
-“That’s a super follow-through”
-“You’re trying really hard, I like that effort!”
-“Forty-three! Wow, that’s awesome number of sit-ups!”

O. Out-of-class examples
a) Initiates or increases student activity engagement
-“Remember to practice that move 10 times at home before tomorrow’s class.”
-“Don’t forget to sign up for intramural soccer at noon time.”
-Remember, on Tuesday we are going to see how many can get to school
without using a motor.”
b) Praises or reinforces
“Pat, it was nice to see you out running before school today.”
”I’m glad to see 16 of you signed up for the dance club that meets after school”
N. No Promotion is the default code.

-Use when I and O are not scored.
Abbreviated Coding Sheet (3A)

_________________________________________________________________
Student Lesson Teacher

Interval Activity Context Interactions
_________________________________________________________________
1 12345 MKFSGO I O N
2 12345 MKFSGO I O N
8.3B. Teacher Involvement (General Categories)

This is an alternative method for assessing general teacher involvement during lessons
(8.3A assesses teacher behavior related specifically to physical activity promotion).
Circle the appropriate letter (P D I M O T) to indicate what the teacher did during the
observation interval. Use partial interval recording according to the following hierarchy:
Promotes fitness (P). Promotes fitness by prompting or encouraging fitness related activity. For
example, (a) attempts to initiate or increase student engagement in a fitness activity or
enhance students' perception of their ability to do a fitness task); and (b) praises or
reinforces fitness activity (e.g., makes a statement or gesture during or following a student
fitness activity engagement clearly designed to increase or maintain such responses in
the future). Includes actual engagement in prompting and praising students during fitness
testing. Code the recording of fitness data, however, as "management."
Demonstrates fitness (D). Models fitness engagement (e.g., demonstrates how to do a fitness
task or participates with students in a fitness activity).
Instructs generally (I). Lectures, describes, prompts, or provides feedback to students related
to all physical education content (e.g., topography, skill development, technique, strategy,
rules) except physical fitness engagement. Both positive and corrective feedback for skill
attempts are coded as instructs generally. Code thsi category is when the teacher models
physical skills or lectures about physiological responses without actually promoting fitness
engagement.

Manages (M). Manages students or the environment by engaging in non-subject matter tasks
(e.g., sets up equipment, takes roll, collects papers, directs students to do management
tasks).
Observes (O). Monitors entire class, group, or an individual. To be recorded, the teacher must
observe throughout the entire 10-second interval and not be engaged in any other coding
category.
Other task (T). Attends to events not related to his/her responsibilities to the class at hand. For
example, reads the newspaper, turns back on class, leaves the instructional area to meet
with school personnel or make phone calls. To be recorded, the teacher must be on other-
task for entire 10-second interval.
NOTES:
Teacher behavior/involvement categories are listed in hierarchical order. Code only one
category for each 10-second observe interval. For example, category one (promotes fitness) is
scored if it occurs at any time during the interval; category two is scored if it occurs during an
interval unless a category one behavior occurs.
Researchers interested in obtaining a measure of negative reinforcement or punishment are

directed to score prompts that are sarcastic or punitive in nature by drawing a line through the
P, rather than circling it.
Abbreviated Coding Sheet (3B)

_________________________________________________________________
Student Lesson Teacher

Interval Activity Context Involvement
_________________________________________________________________
1 12345 MKFSGO PDIMOT
2 12345 MKFSGO PDIMOT

9. DIRECTIONS FOR SOFIT OBSERVERS
9.1. Warm-up
Arrive at the instructional site and be prepared to collect data at least ten minutes before the
announced start time of the lesson. Warm-up by mentally rehearsing or actively practicing the
coding conventions.
9.2. Equipment
The following supplies are needed for SOFIT observation (unless digital recorders are used)
pencils, a clipboard, ample SOFIT observation sheets,
portable audio player, ear jack, fresh batteries
pre-recorded SOFIT pacing audio to pace the observations,
hip pack/arm band to hold the audio player so observers’ hands are free
NOTE: It is wise to have an additional audio player available for emergencies.
9.3. Select target students

Select five students who are representative of the class as possible targets for observation. Do
not select students who are sitting out. As students arrive at the instructional station, select
students 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 in classes with fewer than 25 students, and select numbers 5, 10,
15, 20, and 25 in classes with more than 25 students. Note some identifying characteristics of
the students on the SOFIT Lesson Observation Form to enable you to locate them later.
Observe each student for 4 consecutive minutes before changing your focus to the next
student. Reserve the fifth student as a backup replacement in case one of the first four leaves
the observation environment. If you are observing the replacement student and the original
student comes back to class, continue observing the replacement student for that rotation. A
rotation is a four minute interval of observation. Go back to the original student during the next
rotation.
Prior to the lesson starting, it may be difficult to determine which students are in a class if more
than one class shares the instructional space. Hopefully, once the teachers are present, the
classes will disperse into more definable groups of students. However, if observation has begun
and it turns out that a student being observed is in a different class, change immediately to a
representative of the target class.
th th
Students often look similar because they wear uniforms. The protocol states that the 5 , 10 ,
th
15 , etc. student is to be selected, but observers may be tempted to pick students who are
more readily identifiable (e.g., those with an unusual hairstyle or polka dot socks). Avoid doing
so, because the goal of observing a representative sample would be compromised.
If you cannot locate the student originally selected, observe a similar looking student instead.
Use caution to not introduce bias (e.g., selecting an active person because you are attracted to
motion).

9.4. Observation procedures
1. The target student is the major focus of the observation, however, place yourself in a
position so that you can also hear the teacher and observe what the class as a whole is
doing. Be as inconspicuous as possible and do not interfere with class activities. Be
prepared to relocate frequently.
2. Do not begin observations until the teacher is present.
3. Start the audio player and begin observing when 51% of the students reach the
instructional station (gymnasium or designated outdoor space) and the teacher is present.
Write the start time on the first cover page.
4. Data should be representative of the entire class period. Even in emergency situations
(e.g., can't find the class), do not begin observations if the lesson has been underway for
over five minutes.
5. Observe the student activity, lesson context, and interaction/involvement throughout the
10-second “observe” interval. Enter codes by filling in the appropriate symbols during the
10-second “record” interval.
5. Code Student One for four consecutive minutes (12 observations). Then code Students
Two, Three, and Four in sequence. Continue in this manner, rotating the focus on a
different target student every four minutes until the lesson ends.
6. End observing when 51% of the students have departed the instructional area. Record
end time on the cover page.
7. Cue the audio for the next lesson.
9.5. Summarize Data
1. Calculate and record the lesson length on page one of the SOFIT observation booklet.
2. Tabulate (sum vertically) and record the total for each of the 14 coding categories at the
bottom of each page in the booklet.
3. Copy the summary scores from each page to the SOFIT Summary Form (see Appendix
B).
4. Calculate the total (across all pages) and record under TOTAL.
5. Complete the header information of the SOFIT Summary Form.
6. Attach forms in the following order: 1) SOFIT Summary Form; 2) SOFIT Lesson
Observation Booklet; and 3) any reliability materials.

9.6. Reliability checks
1. Approximately 12% of all SOFIT lessons should be coded simultaneously by two
independent observers. All observers should complete reliability checks. Reliabilities
should be conducted at different schools.
2. To the extent possible, reliabilities should take place:

a.) at least once per school
b.) more frequently early in the study rather than later (the rationale being if the
reliability is poor, we want to know about it earlier rather than later)
3. When doing reliability checks, use a single audio player/tape recorder to pace both
observers. Insert a y-adapter into the audio-out and attach the two ear jacks to it.
4. One person will be designated the Lead Observer and his/her data will be used for
analysis. The other person will be the Reliability Observer and will indicate this on the
cover page of the SOFIT Booklet.
5. It is very important that the Lead Observer and the Reliability Observer begin observing AT
THE SAME TIME and that they record the same information on the front page of the
SOFIT form for all entries except REL OBS. The Lead Observer will check ‘NO’ for REL
OBS and the Reliability Observer will check ‘YES.’
6. It is acceptable for reliability and lead observers to talk to each other when changing
students (i.e., at the end of each 4 minute interval) to ensure that they select the same
student to observe.
9.7. Calculating reliabilities

Calculate percentage agreement for the three major categories on an interval-by-interval basis
using the standard formula (agreements/observed intervals multiplied by 100) using the
following steps:
a) Match the lead observer’s recordings to the reliability observer’s booklet.

b) On the reliability observer's form, mark a red square to indicate instances of
disagreement for student activity, lesson context, or teacher interaction.
c) Total the number of disagreements (red squares) for student activity, lesson context, or
teacher interaction and write the number at the bottom of the each page, and then
across all pages.
d) Complete a table similar to the following (for a 40 min lesson or 120 intervals):
INTERVALS AGREEMENTS DIAGREEMENTS % AGREEMENT
Student Activity 120 113 7 94.1%
Lesson Context 120 108 12 90.0%
Teacher Interaction 120 102 18 85.0%

e) Calculate the reliabilities (percent agreement) using the formula:
Percent Agree = (Total # Agree)/(Total # Obs) x 100
f) Attach results to the Reliability observer's booklet.
Note: When reliabilities fall lower than 80%, do refresher work using videotapes. In the
absence of a refresher tape, assessors need to practice, preferably in pairs or groups while
discussing discuss of agreements until consensus is reached. Note that it is unrealistic to
expect high agreements without practice in diverse environments. See Section 5 for more
details.
9.8 Documenting Unusual Events

Document unusual events (e.g., fire drills) that occur during a lesson to help explain the data.
10. COMPLETING THE SOFIT OBSERVATION FORM
10.1. ID labels
An ID system needs to be generated to keep track of forms and information. Consider having a
district, school, and teacher ID.
How will forms be collected, sorted, stored, entered, and analyzed? Who will do each task?
10.2. Data management
Teacher Name: Record the teacher’s name on the space provided. If he/she is not a regular
PE specialist at the school, indicate if she is a substitute teacher or classroom teacher.
Observer ID: Each certified SOFIT observer is to be assigned a unique observer ID number.
Teacher gender: Indicate the gender of the instructor that primarily leads the class. M=male;
F=female
Location: Specify the primary location of the lesson: O=outdoors; I=indoors.
Rel Obs: Code as Yes only if you are the designated reliability observer.
Series #: The series number is used along with the ID and Seq # (described below) to
uniquely identify a form. The series number identifies a new data collection visit. During
the baseline measurement period, Series=01, 02, and 03 will be used to identify the first,
second and third visits to the school, respectively.
Date: Enter numbers for Month (MM), Day (DD), and Year (YYYY)
Period: Enter the class period being observed at the school that day.
Grade: Enter the school grade of the class (enter median grade for combination classes).
Start Time: Enter time the lesson actually started (Use 24-hr clock; e.g., 13:30 is 1:30PM).

End Time: Enter time the lesson actually ended (Use 24-hr clock; e.g., 13:30 is 1:30PM).
No. girls/boys: At minute 16 (at the end of page 1) enter the total number of girls and boys
participating in the lesson (students need not be physically active at that time). Do not
include those enrolled in the class, but absent (e.g., in library or at home).
Listed above
Student activity: Identify the activity level of observed student at the "record" signal: 1=lying
down; 2=sitting; 3=standing; 4=walking; 5=vigorous.
Lesson context: Identify the lesson context occurring at the "record" signal: M=management;
K= knowledge; F=fitness activity; S=skill drills; G=game play; O=Other (e.g., free play).
Interactions: Identify teacher verbal or nonverbal interactions to promote physical activity and
fitness during the “observe” interval. I=in class; O=out of class; N=none.)
Comments: Write notes to describe the target student, lesson activities, or unusual events.

SOFIT RECORDING FORM
Date ______ School __________ Grade __ /Period ___ Teacher _______ Teacher Gen: M F SERIES____
Time start ______ Observer ______ Rel obs ____ No girls ____ boys ____ Location: O I
Time end ______ Lesson Length _____ No of obs. ____ Page 1 2 3 4 of __
Student Lesson NOTES

Interval Activity Context Interactions
1 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
2 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
3 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
o 4 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
n 5 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
e 6 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
7 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
m/f 8 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
9 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
10 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
11 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
12 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
13 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
14 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
15 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
t 16 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
w 17 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
o 18 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
19 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
20 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
m/f 21 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
22 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
23 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
24 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
25 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
26 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
27 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
t 28 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
h 29 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
r 30 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
e 31 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
e 32 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
33 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
m/f 34 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
35 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
36 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
37 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
38 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
39 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
f 40 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
o 41 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
u 42 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
r 43 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
44 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
45 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
m/f 46 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
47 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
48 1 2 3 4 5 M K F S G O I O N
SUM

SOFIT SUMMARY FORM
School
Teacher name
Observer ID _______ Date ________ Grade ___ Lesson length ______ min
Total observed intervals _______
PAGE
1 2 3 4 5 TOTAL
Student activity
1. lying down
2. sitting
3. standing
4. walking
5. vigorous
Lesson context
Management (M)
Knowledge (K)
Fitness activity (F)
Skill practice (S)
Game play (G)
Other (O)
Interactions
Promotes in class PA/fitness (I)
Promotes out-of-class PA/fitness (O)
No PA/fitness promotion (N)
SPECIAL NOTES:

SOFIT CODING CONVENTIONS
1. Q: Most of the class is standing in line during fitness testing that is being done with one or two
students at a time. Is this fitness or management?
A: Fitness.
2. Q: How are cooperative activities coded (e.g., some activities that don’t seem to easily fall into skill,
fitness, or game)?
A: Cooperation goals can be reached within any of the six contexts. For example, when students are
being informed about the importance of cooperation, code “K”; when they are forming cooperative
groups, code “M”; when they are practicing a skill cooperatively, code “S”; and when they are playing a
cooperative game, code “G.”
3. Q: Classes reshuffle after the lesson starts (e.g., teachers split up classes). Do I (a) stick with the
students selected and try to observe them across different teachers, or (b) remain with the teacher
whose class I was observing and select new students in that group to replace ones who left?
A: Do (b), stick with the class you are observing and select new students.
4. Q: Similar to #3, If multiple classes group together for a choice of activities, do I try to stick with the
students originally selected, or do I locate students within the area supervised by the teacher whose
class I was scheduled to observe?
A: Try to stick with the class you are observing and select new students. Also, assess for interactions
by the lead teacher in the setting you are observing. See section 8.3.
5. Q: During lessons with running (e.g., cross country) it may be difficult to locate the next student to
observe because she may be in a different part of a large area than the previous target student. If I
can't find the next pre-selected student (or the alternate) in a timely manner, should I select another
student from the crowd to not miss numerous lesson intervals hunting for the particular student?
A: Try not to lose intervals or class time. Without using some systematic bias, select a replacement
student similar in appearance to your initial target student.
6. Q: Related to #5. A school may do 'campus runs' or cross country skiing where students circle the
campus (a group of buildings, trees). If I stay in one area, I will lose sight of my student for extended
periods. If I jogs along with the target student, I will end the 4-minute interval where students around
me are moving at about the same pace, but may not be representative of the class as a whole.
Finding the next pre-selected student would be very difficult. How do I handle the selection?
A: Locate/relocate to the position that gives the clearest view of the target students. If the “next” target
student is not available in that setting, select a back-up student as a replacement.
7 Q. What modifications to activity levels are made for swimming pools?

A: All activity codes remain the same except for Level 4, walking. In addition to walking, code level 4
when the target student is floating or swimming slowly (i.e., when energy expenditure is similar to that
of a walk).
8 Q. What modifications are made for students translocating using wheels (e.g., tricycles, bicycles,
rollerblades, wheel chairs)?
A: All activity codes remain the same except for Level 4, walking. In addition to walking, code Level 4
when the person is self-propelling using wheels in a slow motion. Code Level 5, vigorous, when the
energy required for self-propulsion is greater than an ordinary walk.

OCCASIONALLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Q: What should I say to students who want to know what I am doing in their class?
A: The response should be "I'm sorry, I can't talk now." If needed, a further response could
be "We're interested in learning what goes on in physical education classes in schools."
Pause the audio if the disruption requires more than 10 seconds.
2. Q: When there are 2 teachers in a room because classes have been joined and the
teacher of the OTHER class encourages the student we are watching, does that count as
encouragement in class for teacher interaction?
A: Yes, code for the teacher that is in charge of the target student.
3. Q: I watched a lesson in which a substitute lost control of the class. Although it was her
original intent that students play basketball GAMES, they were clearly doing SKILL DRILLS
INSTEAD. What would the lesson context be?
A: The lesson context is what they were actually doing. In this case, code skill drills (s).

Protocol for the PE Observation Form (PEOF)
PURPOSE
PEOF is used to assess physical education lessons for the occurrence of key lesson
components and for instructional behaviors that are associated with the potential for
students developing approach tendencies for physical activity engagement.
PROCEDURE
The PE Observation Form will be completed by trained assessors immediately after
observing an entire lesson using SOFIT.
1. Warm-up. Warming-up before engaging in vigorous or explosive movements is

important in reducing injuries. Score 'Yes' for warm-up if at least a 2-minute
preparation period was allocated to students before they were required to do
vigorous movements during the lesson. Methods of warming-up could include:
1. Walking while moving arms slowly

2. Doing slow paced running or aerobics
3. Stretching
4. Doing a game, drill, or activity at a low intensity.
2. Cool-down. Cooling-down after engaging in vigorous or explosive movements

is important to allow the body to return to normal functioning levels and to
increase flexibility. Score 'Yes' for cool-down if at least a 2-minute period was
allocated during the lesson following vigorous movements. The cool-down
typically occurs near the end of a lesson and could include:
1. Walking while moving arms slowly

2. Doing slow paced running or aerobics
3. Stretching
4. Reducing the intensity of a game, drill, or activity.
3. Students were encouraged to be physically active. Students received

prompts or encouragement to be physically active (i.e., engage in high intensity
activity or increase their physical activity levels) from the teacher during the
lesson. Do not include instructional prompts for skill topography (i.e., skill form).
4. Students received praise for their active participation. Students received

praise or positive feedback about their physical activity levels or activity
engagement during the lesson from the teacher.
5. Most students appeared to enjoy themselves. Students laughed, smiled, and

appeared happy while engaging in lesson activities.
6. Students were given clear instructions. Students understood and could

follow management and instruction tasks.
7. Lesson had adequate student:equipment ratio. The provision of adequate

amounts of equipment provided students with opportunities to be active and
learn skills. Preferably, the student/equipment ratio should not exceed 3 to 1
during skill practice and 10 to 1 during game play.

8. Group sizes were appropriate to activity. Appropriate sized groups permitted
ample opportunities for students to be active and learn skills. Group sizes may
be inappropriate if students are waiting in line for extended periods.
9. Students were prompted/rewarded for out-of class MVPA engagement.

Students received prompts, rewards, or praise from the teacher about engaging
in physical activity during non-PE class time (e.g., before, during, or after school
and on weekends). Prompted events could be any physical activities, including
individual events, team sports, and family engagement.
10. Teacher showed enthusiasm for teaching.
PEOF Rating Scale

None of the time: The characteristic was not present at all in the observed lesson
Some of the time: The characteristic occurred at least once during the observed
lesson and may have occurred sporadically, infrequently, or
affected only a minority of lesson time.
Most of the time: The characteristic occurred frequently and regularly throughout
the lesson. In the case of items that measure more continual
characteristics (e.g., group size), the characteristic was present
for a majority of class time, between 50-80% of activity time.
All of the time: The characteristic was consistent and ongoing throughout the
entire lesson. In the case of items that measure more continual
characteristics (e.g., equipment:student ratio), the characteristic
was present for virtually the entire class time.

PEOF Observation Form
District: ____________ School : __________________ Assessor ID#: _____________
Name of Classroom Teacher: _______________ Name of Teacher of PE Lesson : _______________
Date __ __/__ __/__ __ Time Start ___ ___ : ___ ___

m m d d y y
FOR THE LESSON YOU JUST OBSERVED:
1. A warm-up was included 0. No 1. Yes
2. A cool-down was included 0. No 1. Yes
Observed Observed Observed Observed

NONE SOME MOST ALL
of the time of the time of the time of the time
3. Students were encouraged to 1 2 3

be physically active
4. Students received praise for 1 2 3

their active participation
5. Most students appeared to 1 2 3 4

enjoy themselves (e.g. smiling,
laughing, engaged, etc.)
6. Students understood management 1 2 3 4

and instruction tasks
7. Lesson had adequate 1 2 3 4 N/A

student:equipment ratio
8. Group sizes were appropriate to 1 2 3 4 N/A

activity
9. Students were prompted/rewarded 1 2

for out-of-class MVPA engagement
10. Teachers showed enthusiasm 1 2 3 4

for teaching
RECORD HOW MUCH PE THIS CLASS RECEIVED TODAY AND DURING THE FOUR
SCHOOL DAYS PRIOR TO THIS OBSERVATION:
# minutes
Monday _________
Tuesday _________
Wednesday _________
Thursday _________
Friday _________ Total lessons _______ Total minutes _________
HAD THIS TEACHER PARTICIPATED IN A PE TRAINING? NO YES
DID THIS TEACHER USE A DESIGNATED LESSON/CURRICULUM? NO YES

PE “No-Show” Form
This form documents an incidence of a failed attempt to complete a SOFIT
observation within a scheduled lesson (i.e., class was cancelled).
School : __________________ Assessor ID#: _____________
Grade ________________Name of Classroom Teacher: _______________
Date __ __/__ __/__ __ Time Start Scheduled ___ ___ : ___ ___
m m d d y y
CHECK REASON(S) GIVEN FOR CANCELLATION:
__ Special school events (photos, speakers, etc)

__ Academic priorities (testing, extra work)
__ Holiday event (Halloween, Christmas)
__ Usual teacher of PE not available
__ Weather/facilities/equipment
__ Field trip
__ OTHER (specify) _______________________________________________
COMMENTS:

SOFIT DATA TRACKING FORM
FROM: DATE:
ADDRESS:
PHONE: FAX:
E-MAIL:
Attached are PEOF and SOFIT DATA FORMS for the following PE Observations:
District School Date Grade Classroom/PE teacher #SOFIT sheets

(E.G., ) #1 ISD Obama 10.02.09 4 Jones-4A/Clinton 2
2
3
10
11
12
13
14
15
PLEASE ADD COMMENTS BELOW AND ON THE REVERSE SIDE. THANKS!

SOFIT References (Selected)
GENERAL:
McKenzie, T. L. (2002). The use of direct observation to assess physical activity. In G. Welk (Ed.),
Physical activity assessments for health-related research (pp. 179-195). Champaign, IL: Human
Kinetics.
SOFIT Methods & Measurement papers:

McKenzie, T. L., Sallis, & Nader, P. R. (1991). SOFIT: System for observing fitness instruction time. Journal of
Teaching in Physical Education, 11, 195-205. (The ORIGINAL paper)
Heath, E. M., Coleman, K. J., Lensegrav, T., & Fallon, J. A. (2006). Using momentary time sampling to estimate
minutes of physical activity in physical education: Validation of scores for the system for observing fitness
instruction time. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 77, 142-146. (compares time sampling with
duration recording; demonstrates viability of MTS)
Honas, J. J., Washburn, R. A., Smith, B. K., Greene, J. L., Cook-Wiens, G., & Donnelly, J. E. (2008). The System of
Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) as a measure of energy expenditure during classroom-based
physical activity. Pediatric Exercise Science, 20(4), 439-445.
Keating, X. D., Kulinna, P. H., & Silverman, S. (1999). Measuring teaching behaviors, lesson context, and physical
activity in school physical education programs: Comparing the SOFIT and C-SOFIT instruments. Measurement
in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 3, 207-220. (computerized version of SOFIT)
McClain, J. J., Abraham, T. L., Brusseau, T. A., & Tudor-Locke, C. (2008). Epoch length and accelerometer outputs
in children: Comparison to direct observation. Medicine & Science in Sport and Exercise, 40, 2080-2087.
McKenzie, T. L., Strikmiller, P. K., Stone, E. J., Woods, S. E., Ehlinger, S., Romero, K. A., &.Budman, S. T. (1994).
CATCH: Physical activity process evaluation in a multicenter trial. Health Education Quarterly, Supplement 2:
S73-S89.
McNamee, J., & van der Mars, H. (2005). Accuracy of momentary time sampling: A comparison of varying interval
lengths using SOFIT. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 24, 282-292.
Pope, R. P., Coleman, K. J., Gonzalez, Barron, F, & Heath, E.M. (2000). Validity of a Revised System for Observing
Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT). Pediatric Exercise Science, 14, 135-147.
Rowe, P.J., Schuldheisz, J.M., & van der Mars, H. (1997). Measuring physical activity in physical education:
Validation of the SOFIT direct observation instrument for use with first to eighth grade students. Pediatric
Exercise Science, 9(2), 136-149.
Rowe, P.J., van der Mars, H., Schuldheisz, J.M, & Fox, S. (2004). Measuring students’ physical activity levels:
Validating SOFIT for use with high school students. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 23, 235-251.
Scruggs, P. W. (2007). A comparative analysis of pedometry in measuring physical activity of children. Medicine &
Science in Sport and Exercise, 39, 1837-1846.
Scruggs, P. W. (2007). Middle school physical education physical activity quantification: A pedometer steps/min
guideline. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 78, 284-293.
Scruggs, P. W. (2007). Quantifying activity time via pedometry in fifth- and sixth-grade physical education. Journal of
Physical Activity & Health, 4, 215-227.
Scruggs, P.W., Beveridge, S. K. & Clocksin, B. D. (2005). Tri-axial accelerometry and hear rate telemetry: Relation
and agreement with behavioral observation in elementary physical education. Measurement in Physical
Education and Exercise Science, 9, 203-218.
Scruggs, P.W., Beveridge, S. K., Eisenman, P.A., Watson, D. L., Schultz, B.B., & Ransdell, L. B. (2003). Quantifying
physical activity via pedometry in elementary physical education. Medicine & Science in Sport and Exercise, 35,
1065-1071.
Scruggs, P.W., Beveridge, S. K., Watson, D. L. & Clocksin, B. D. (2005). Quantifying physical activity in first-through
fourth-grade physical education via pedometry. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 76, 166-175.
Other SOFIT papers (includes adaptations and descriptive and intervention

studies)
Cardon, G., Verstraete, S., De Clercq, D., & De Bourdeaudhui, I. (2004). Physical activity levels in elementary school
physical education: A comparison of swimming and nonswimming classes. Journal of Teaching in Physical
Education, 23, 252-263.
Chow, B., McKenzie, T. L., & Louie, L. (2008). Children’s physical activity and environmental influences during
elementary school physical education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 27, 38-50.
Chow, B., McKenzie, T. L., & Louie, L. (2009). Physical activity and environmental influences during secondary
school physical education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 28, 21-37.

Coe, D., Pivarnik, J., Womack, C., Reeves, M., & Malina, R. M. (2006). Effect of physical education and activity
levels on academic achievement in children. Medicine & Science in Sport & Exercise, 38, 1515-1519.
Coleman, K. J., Geller, K. & Rosenkranz, R. (2008). Physical activity and healthy eating in the after-school
environment. Journal of School Health, 78(12), 633-640.
Curtner-Smith, M. D., Sofo, S., Chouinard, J., & Wallace, S. (2007). Health-promoting physical activity and extra-
curricular sport. European Physical Education Review, 13(2), 131-144.
DuBose, K., Mayo, M., et al. (2008). Physical activity across the curriculum (PAAC): Rationale and design.
Contemporary Clinical Trials, 29(1), 83-93.
Fairclough, S. J., & Stratton, G. (2005). Improving health-enhancing physical activity in girls’ physical education.
Health Education Research, 20(4), 448-457.
Fairclough, S. J., & Stratton, G. (2006). Effects of a physical education intervention to improve student activity levels.
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 11(1), 29-44.
Faucette, N., McKenzie, T. L., & Sallis, J. (1992). Self-contained versus team teaching: An analysis of a physical
education intervention by classroom teachers. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 11, 268-287.
Faison-Hodge, J. & Porretta, D. L. (2004). Physical activity levels of students with retardation and students without
disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 21, 139-152.
Heath, E. M., Coleman, K. J., (2002). Evaluation of the institutionalization of the coordinated approach to child health
(CATCH) in a US/Mexico border community. Health Education Behavior, 29, 444-460.
Jennings-Aburto, N., Nava, F., Bonvecchio, A., Safdie, M., González-Casanova, I., Gust, T., & Rivera, J. (2009).
Physical activity during the school day in primary schools in Mexico City. Salud Pública de México, 51(2), 141-
147.
Kelder, S., Hoelscher, D. M., Barroso, C., Walker, J., Cribb, P., & Hu, S. (2005) The CATCH Kids Club: A pilot after
school study for improving elementary student’s nutrition and physical activity. Public Health Nutrition, 8, 133-140.
Levin, S., McKenzie, T. L., Hussey, J. R., Kelder, S., & Lytle, L. (2001). Variability of physical activity in physical
education lessons across elementary school grades. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science,
5(4), 207-218.
Lieberman, L. J., Dunn, J. M., van-der-Mars, H., McCubbin, J. (2000). Peer tutors' effects on activity levels of deaf
students in inclusive elementary physical education. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly. 17, 20-39.
McKenzie, T. L., Feldman, H., Woods, S. E., Romero, K. A., Dahlstrom, V., Stone, E. J., Strikmiller, P. K., Williston,
J. M., & Harsha, D. W. (1995). Student activity levels and lesson context during third grade physical education.
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 66, 184-193.
McKenzie,T. L., Catellier, D., Conway, T., Webber, L., Lytle, L., Elder, J., Pratt, C., & Greiser, M. (2006). Girls’
physical activity levels and lesson context during middle school physical education: TAAG Baseline. Medicine
and Science in Sport and Exercise, 38(7), 1229-1235.
McKenzie, T. L., Li, D., Derby, C., Webber, L., Luepker, R. V., & Cribb, P. ( 2003). Maintenance of effects of the CATCH
physical education program: Results from the CATCH:ON study. Health Education & Behavior, 30(4), 447-462.
McKenzie, T. L., Marshall, S., Sallis, J. F. & Conway, T. L. (2000). Student activity levels, lesson context, and teacher
behavior during middle school physical education. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71, 249-259.
McKenzie, T. L., Nader, P. R., Strikmiller, P. K., Yang, M., Stone, E. J., Taylor, W. C., Perry, C. L., Epping, J.,
Feldman, H., Luepker, R. V., & Kelder, S. H. (1996). School physical education: Effect of the Child and
Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH). Preventive Medicine, 25, 423-431.
McKenzie, T. L., Prochaska, J. J., Sallis, J. F., & LaMaster, K. (2004). Coeducational and single-sex physical
education in middle schools: Impact on physical activity. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 75(4), 446-
449.
McKenzie, T. L., Sallis, J. F., Kolody, B., & Faucette, N. (1997). Long-term effects of a physical education curriculum
and staff development program: SPARK. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 68, 280-291.
McKenzie, T. L., Sallis, J. F., Prochaska, J. J., Conway, T. L., Marshall, S. J., & Rosengard, P. (2004). Evaluation of
a 2-Year middle school physical education intervention: M-SPAN. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise,
36, 1382-1388.
McKenzie, T. L., Stone, E. J., Feldman, H. A., Epping, J. N., Yang, M., Strikmiller, P. K., Lytle, L. A., & Parcel, G. S.
(2001). Effects of the CATCH physical education intervention: Teacher type and lesson location. American
Journal of Preventive Medicine, 21, 101-109.
NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development Network. (2003). Frequency and intensity of activity of
third grade children in physical education. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 157, 185-90.
Parker, M. B. & Curtner, M. (2005). Health-related fitness in sport education and multi-activity teaching. Journal of
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 10, 1-18.
Patterson, D. L., & Van der Mars, H. (2008). Distant interactions and their effects on children’s physical activity
levels. Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, 13(3), 277-294.
Sallis, J. F., McKenzie, T. L., Alcaraz, J. E., Kolody, B., Faucette, N., & Hovell, M. F. (1997). The effects of a 2-year
physical education program (SPARK) on physical activity and fitness in elementary school students. American
Journal of Public Health, 87, 1328-1334.
Sit, C. H. P., McManus, A., McKenzie, T. L., & Lian, J. (2007). Physical activity levels of children in special schools.
Preventive Medicine, 45, 424-431.
,
Sit, C. H. P., McKenzie, T. L., Lian, J., & McManus, A. (2008). Activity Levels during physical education and recess
in two special schools for children with mild intellectual disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 25, 247-
259.
Verstraete, S., Cardon, G, DeClercq, D., & DeBourdeaudhuij, I. (2007). Effectiveness of two-year health-related
physical education intervention in elementary schools. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 26, 20-34.

SOFIT PACING CUES
(Initial Verbal Cues for 4 subjects/48 intervals/16 minutes)
Auditory (verbal) prompts are needed to pace the alternating 10-second observe/record
intervals so that observers can keep their hands free and focus directly on the lesson). We use
MP3s or IPODS instead of tape players. A 48-minute pacing tape is sufficient for all but the
longest classes. The following are the initial audio prompts for observing a student for four
minutes. These can be repeated as needed. The voice on the tape speaks only the words
inside the “quotes”.
Start audio: "locate subject one"

ELAPSED MIN:SECONDS
0:00 "observe subject one"
0:10 "record interval one"
0:20 "observe"
0:30 "record 2"
0:40 "observe"
0:50 "record 3"
1:00 "observe "

1:10 "record interval 4"
1:20 "observe"
1:30 "record 5"
1:40 "observe"
1:50 "record 6"
2:00 "observe subject one"

2:20 "observe"
2:30 "record 8"
2:40 "observe"
2:50 "record 9"
3:00 "observe one"

3:20 "observe"
3:30 "record 11"
3:40 "observe"
3:50 "record 12"; “locate subject TWO”
4:00 "observe subject two"

4:20 "observe"
4:30 "record 14"
4:40 "observe"
4:50 "record 15"
And so on… until 48 intervals (one page at 16:00). REPEAT this sequence of 48 intervals and
place them END TO END for additional minutes.
Put only the "observe/record cues" on the tape, not the class time (e.g., elapsed 4:20). When
making a tape, be in a quiet room and very cautious for at least 16 consecutive minutes!

SOFIT OBSERVER TRAINING DVD
A DVD has been produced to help train reliable SOFIT observers and to enable data
comparisons across different studies:
McKenzie, T. L. (2009, March). System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT):
Introduction and Coding Lessons. (93 minute DVD). San Diego State University, San Diego,
California. (T. McKenzie, writer, producer, narrator; D. Graves, editor)
The DVD has four segments:
Segment One (15 min) introduces SOFIT and provides examples for the three main
categories: student activity, lesson context, and teacher behavior.
Segment Two (14 min) presents clips for coding while receiving immediate feedback on the
screen.
Segment Three (19 min) is designed for observers to practice coding quickly. Answers to
these clips from two lessons are presented below.
Segment Four (45 min) shows clips from four sample lessons. Answers to these will be
provided by Dr. McKenzie to certified trainers only. This procedure permits observers
within projects to be compared to a “gold standard” and to be assessed over time.
Active Living Research helped support the production of this DVD and will make it available free
to interested researchers for a limited time. See the ALR website for additional information
on how to receive it:
Active Living Research

San Diego State University
3900 Fifth Avenue, Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92103
www.activelivingresearch.org
The following two pages present the ‘gold standard’ codes for the lessons in Segment Three of
the DVD.

DVD Segment 3, Lesson 1
Clarification
Student Lesson Teacher (e.g., skill prompts, start prompts such as
Activity Context Interaction “go,” and calling cadence= in-class PA
prompts)
1 4 S I tossing, catching skills
2 4 S N
3 3 K N
4 4 M N
5 Working on locomotor and manipulative
5 S I
skills
6 5 S I
7 5 S I
8 4 K N Small step at end
9 5 G I
10 5 G N
11 5 G I
12 4 G N
13 5 G I
14 4 G N
15 Whistle to stop activity, but next context
3 G N
unknown
16 5 G I
17 5 G I
18 5 G N
19 3 M N Game stopped; changing taggers
20 3 K N
21 5 G I
22 5 G I
23 5 G N
24 3 M N
25 3 M N

DVD Segment 3; Lesson 2
Clarification
Student Lesson Teacher (e.g., skill prompts, start prompts such as
Activity Context Interaction “go,” and calling cadence= in-class PA
prompts)
1 5 M N
2 5 F I
3 5 F I
4 5 F I
5 4 F I
6 3 F I
7 3 M N
8 5 S I
9 3 S I
10 2 K N Code upward (lying down, plus)
11 2 M N Code upward (lying down, plus)
12 3 M N
13 3 S I
14 3 S I “Make a bridge”
15 4 S I Skill prompt
16 4 S I Calling cadence
17 5 S I
18 5 S I Calling cadence
19 4 G I Dance performance w/ music
20 2 M I T praises performance/engagement
21 3 M N
22 3 M N
23 4 S I
24 3 S N
25 3 S I
26 3 K N “right” reinforces a verbal response, not PA.
27 4 S I
28 4 S I
29 2 K N
30 2 G I
31 5 G I
32 2 G I T ‘hearts go’= prompt for PA

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SOFIT

(System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time)

Generic Description and Procedures Manual

Thomas L. McKenzie, Ph.D.

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 1

4. Factors in Selecting Lessons for Observation

5. Observer Training, Reliability, Reactivity

6. SOFIT Technical Description

8. SOFIT Definitions and Coding Conventions

10. Teacher Interactions

11. Teacher Involvement Categories

12. Practical Directions for Observers

15. Reliability Checks

16. Completing the Observation Form

18. SOFIT Recording Form

19. SOFIT Summary Form

20. SOFIT Coding Conventions

22. PEOF Protocol

24. PEOF Recording Form

25. Cancelled Lesson Form

26. Data Tracking Form

27. SOFIT References

29. SOFIT Pacing Cues

30. SOFIT Observer Training DVD

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 2

2. SCHEDULE OF ASSESSMENT (TO BE DETERMINED BY PROJECT LEADERS)

2.1. Scheduling visits during each measurement period

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 3

4. FACTORS IN SELECTING LESSONS FOR OBSERVATION

Table 1. Factors influencing SOFIT data.

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 4

5. OBSERVER TRAINING, RELIABILITY, RECALIBRATION, AND REACTIVITY

2. Accuracy will be assessed with periodic evaluations of pre-coded gold-standard video

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 5

6. SOFIT TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION (ABBREVIATED)

Phase 1. Student physical activity engagement.

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 6

Choices: General content (M) Knowledge content (K) Motor content

Phase 3. Teacher behavior.

Phase 3A. Teacher interaction. (Physical Activity Promotion)

Choices: Promotes in-class physical activity, fitness, or motor skills (I)

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 7

8. SOFIT DEFINITIONS AND CODING CONVENTIONS

8.1. Student activity levels

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 8

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 9

8.3A. Teacher interactions (related to physical activity & fitness promotion)

Promotes out-of-class MVPA (physical activity/fitness/motor skills) (O). Promotes out-of-class

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 10

N. No Promotion is the default code.

Abbreviated Coding Sheet (3A)

Student Lesson Teacher

8.3B. Teacher Involvement (General Categories)

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 11

Researchers interested in obtaining a measure of negative reinforcement or punishment are

Abbreviated Coding Sheet (3B)

Student Lesson Teacher

MCKENZIE 6.1.09 SOFIT PROTOCOL Page 12

District: School : Assessor ID#: ___

Name of Classroom Teacher: _ Name of Teacher of PE Lesson : _

Date / / Time Start _ _ : _ _

School : ______ Assessor ID#: _

Grade __Name of Classroom Teacher: _