(Publisher’s Note: This article is based on a presentation made by the author as part of the 50 Million Strong by 2029 Forum held at the 2017 SHAPE America National Convention.)

In 2015, SHAPE America unveiled something new entitled 50 Million Strong by 2029 (50MS) at its Seattle National Convention.  Immediately, people asked, “What exactly is this 50MS?” I’ve heard it described differently:  A program, a curriculum, an initiative.  Some disparagingly described it as just another one of SHAPE America’s gimmicks, or the dumbing down of physical education to just getting kids active.  In fact, 50MS is defined as a commitment to ensuring that by the year 2029 all children who started school in 2015 will, by the time they graduate from high school in 2029, have the skills, knowledge and disposition to lead healthy and physically active lives.  Admittedly, following its unveiling, SHAPE America perhaps fell short in how 50MS was presented, described, and operationalized.  However, at its core 50MS is a tangible goal, or target for the profession to shoot for over the next 12 years.  And whether or not 50MS succeeds depends on what the field as a whole (i.e. teachers, teacher education programs, and our state, district and national association), opts to do to achieve that goal.

Fundamentally, 50MS has its roots in two key trends.  First, there is the well-documented rise in overweight and obesity levels among children and youth (among others) that gave rise to health-oriented physical education (e.g., Metzler, McKenzie, van der Mars, Williams, & Ellis, 2013a, 2013b; Sallis & McKenzie, 1991; Sallis, McKenzie, Beets,  Beighle, Erwin, & Lee, 2012).  The Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) model was introduced principally in response to the concerns surrounding overweight and obesity (NASPE, 2008).  But to be clear, the CSPAP framework emphasizes quality physical education as its centerpiece component!