Last
month, I suggested that the newly created
Let's
Move, Active Schools initiative offered
physical educators a special, necessary, but
time-limited chance to transform K-12 physical
education. I'm optimistic that some teachers
will respond to this challenge, but concerned
that for far too many business will continue
as usual. It worries me when colleagues assume
that physical education's future in public
education is somehow guaranteed. It isn't.
Ask any of the dozens of teachers around the
country whose programs and positions have
been
cut in the past few years.
Like most of us, those teachers assumed their
jobs were secure until suddenly, and often
with little warning, they found themselves
victims
of the current obsession to raise academic
scores, or victims
of budget cuts resulting from the economic
recession. Too late and without much support
they protested their relevance. Instead, they
discovered that many education decision-makers
neither appreciated nor
valued physical education's contribution
to children's education. Like switchboard
operators, typists, milkmen, travel agents,
elevator operators, and others in vanishing
professions, these unfortunate physical educators
learned that nothing
lasts forever.
Physical educators are forever destined to
be the victims of the decision-making whims
of others unless we show more initiative in
shaping our professional future. It was this
desire that motivated the creators of NASPE's
PE2020 initiative that began in 2011 with
a national forum at the San Diego national
AAHPERD Convention. The resulting recommendations
proposed a framework for futuristic thinking.
Since then, some of the suggestions have contributed
to a rethinking about where physical education
should be headed.
A persistent problem, however, is that most
of us are only happy to discuss change when
others have to do the changing. We're much
less enthusiastic about changing what we do
ourselves. Rather than becoming the change
we want to see, it's easier to become obstacles
in the path of those trying to move the profession
forwards. Whether or not Let's
Move, Active Schools succeeds will
be testimony to our professional adaptability.
The consequences
of failure could be serious. If we allow others
to become responsible for promoting school-wide
physical activity, it's quite possible that
before 2020 many more physical education teachers
could find themselves replaced.
At the recent Charlotte AAHPERD Convention,
invited presenters shared their personal perspectives
on the five areas of focus in the earlier
PE2020 recommendations. Some of the slide
shows and presentation notes are posted on
the convention
website. Videos of the presentations will
be added once edited.
For those in attendance, it was an interesting
glimpse
into future possibilities. It was also exciting
to hear and see examples from around the country
of new and innovative approaches to teaching
physical education. But what especially struck
me was the importance for all of us to accept
our personal responsibility for this journey.
It's both unrealistic and naive to think that
NASPE, AAHPERD, a state organization, or anyone
else will take care of us. They won't, and
indeed they can't.
Each of us faces unique circumstances, challenges,
and opportunities that we need to respond
to if we want to avoid uncertain consequences.
Some things about the future are certainly
unpredictable, but not everything. A lot we
do know.
Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity
to attend a meeting of state stakeholders
sponsored by the Michigan
Fitness Foundation. Gathered together
in the Governor's Mansion in Lansing, discussion
focused on planning a roadmap forward for
physical education and physical literacy in
Michigan. Participants heard about trends
likely to impact public school physical education
in the next 20 or so years, then imagined
how they would like physical education to
look.
This strategy typically referred to, as "scenario
planning," is common among business and
government groups motivated to prepare themselves
for successful futures. By creating a rich
narrative of how physical education would
ideally look many years ahead, it becomes
easier to set and target the "steps-to-success"
together with a realistic timeline and measurable
outcomes.
Thinking about physical education's future
is more important today than ever before.
We are immersed in an era of rapid change.
America's dominance as a world leader is less
assured as the global economy expands and
developing nations compete with us for business
and influence. Medical, scientific, and technological
innovations are occurring at breakneck speed.
Preparing our children with the skills and
knowledge to succeed in the future is heightening
pressures on public education and school administrators.
Instead of simply wondering what physical
education will look like in the future, a
question we might ponder is whether physical
education has a future in public education,
and if so what it will look like.
Although it may be true that nothing lasts
forever, for the time being the future of
physical education depends on each of us and
what
we do today.
Getting
Ready for the New School Year
Physical education is the truest social environment
- other than lunch – in our public schools.
It is the one place where effective teaching can improve
both physical and emotional health. Read some thought-provoking
issues teachers need to address to positively impact
student learning. Written
by Isobel Kleinman.
Summer
Activities
Somewhat surprisingly, children’s physical activity
often decreases during summer. Learn how Health and
Physical Education Teachers can help their students
be more active and healthy during the summer.
Written by Martin
Donahue.
Psychological
Skills Training: Staying on the Ball Drill
Continuing our Psychological Skills Training series
learn a concentration drill that combines with Relaxation
and Breathing Easy (to help athletes concentrate.
A handout for athletes to use when practicing at home
is provided.
Written by Christine
Lottes.
Leadership
in Coaching Part Two: Teaching Fundamentals
Continuing our three part series, Leadership in Coaching,
three things are always evident in successful programs:
(1) organization, (2) the teaching of fundamentals,
and (3) discipline. Learn more about the importance
of teaching fundamentals. Written
by Ed Fry.
Coaching:
Finding a Mentor
Many of today’s outstanding coaches will tell
you that some of their best learning experiences occurred
under the guidance of a knowledgeable and inspirational
mentor. Learn more about the characteristics of great
mentors. Written by Pete
Van Mullem.
Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs:
Helping All Students Achieve 60 Minutes of Physical
Activity Each Day. Your feedback
invited on new position statement.
PETE Standards Revision Committee is seeking
input on the current (2008) standards for
Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) programs.
Physical education classes
reduce probability of obesity.
Gym Class Isn't
Just Fun and Games Anymore (read comments, also).
What do YOU think?
(scroll down page)
Bring back PE: Exercise should be 'core'
class, report says.
Tom
Winiecki named the 2013 NFL Network Physical
Education Teacher of the Year.
More time in physical education equals
stronger kids.
Students split on Illinois school's divided
PE curriculum.
Alternative story.
Frisco, Texas eighth graders become teachers'
wellness coaches with big
results.
Exercise, nutrition take center stage
at Baltimore school.
Elementary schools in Pinellas County, Florida
consider cutting
back on PE classes to increase class time.
Maryland PE teachers say lack of instruction
time hurts students in the future.
NAKHE
announces Collaborative Congress for January 8-12
2014 in San Diego. Scott Kretchmar keynote speaker
in New York school - PE class isn't that important;
academics are.
Lafayette (LA) schools facing budget
crunch may cut PE time.
Submit a presentation proposal for the 2014
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Dance National Convention
& Expo. June 17 deadline.
PE4life/Speed Stacks Sport Pack Grant Program.
Speed Stacks wants to help instructors motivated
to offer a full-fledged Sport Stacking program
but who lack funding. The Sport Pack Grant Program
can equip you with all you need to provide your
students with a unique and fun Sport Stacking
experience. To apply, go to www.speedstacks.com
and download the grant application.
Active Schools Acceleration Project announces
Acceleration Grants,
Deadline April 22.
DonorsChoose.org
is a non-profit website that matches benevolent
donors to PE Program needs.
ING
Run For Something Better grant program now open.