Oregon Alliance for

Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

E-Journal Winter 2008

Fall ConferenceOAHPERD
Fall Conference
October 10, 2008

KEYNOTE:
John Bennett
University of North Carolina


Please join us at the conference:
“You Can Do It Too!”

John P. Bennett,
University of North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina
President

Keynote Josh BennettJohn Bennett is a professor with the Department of Health and Applied Human Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington where he teaches primarily K-12 HPE teacher education courses and dance. Bennett started his teaching career in 1969 and has been actively involved in state, district, and national HPERD organizations since 1967. He taught and/or administrated K-12 HPE for 15 years in public schools and was the NC State Director of Healthful Living for eight years. He has written over 100 total publications and presented over 400 presentations nationally and internationally.

Presidents Message

The coming of a new calendar year brings, for many people, the desire to reflect on the past year and to set resolutions for the coming year; I am no different. My reflection was brought about partially by the transition of a new year, in part by the shift to a new semester with new classes and students, and most importantly and instigated by a conversation with Casey Herring, a wise educator and close friend whose counsel was both enlightening and convicting to me. The reflection upon the past year, past semester and upon opportunities and challenges taken and missed, presented an overriding question that has provided valuable insight for me as a person and professional. This idea relates to the way we continue to grow, learn, and change as adults.  Why do we as adults so often settle for the status quo, to become comfortable in our daily routine, to be satisfied to stop pushing out boundaries and to limit our growth and learning? What heights could we attain if as adults we were as dedicated to continuing and furthering our education and experiences as we are dedicated to providing and encouraging that growth in our students and children?  If we were to continue to challenge ourselves personally and professionally to grow and learn at the same rate we did from elementary school through college what could we accomplish? Why is it acceptable to so many of us to, after attaining a degree or a profession, to abruptly and dramatically slow our growth and learning?

With a brand new baby, I would be the first person to agree that life transitions effect how you continue to learn and grow, but it should not change if you continue to learn and grow. Many factors contribute to this phenomenon, but above all it is determined by a person’s views and perceptions.  We each have to make a commitment to not settle, to not be lulled into complacency by the time and experience robbing effects of routine.  Each person’s solutions to offsetting this problem may be different. If I was to encourage you in the ways I have found to be personally effective, I might suggest a few of the following; setting aside time daily to read, study, and examine a text that is beneficial.  Take, teach, or audit classes and seminars.  Learn, examine, and question each and every day the challenges and opportunities students bring to you.  Volunteer at school, in extra curricular activities, in sports or clubs, and professional organizations that support your interests.  Avoid the often common place professional isolation that is frequently a part of the profession of education – share with other educators, benefit from each other. OAHPERD conference 2008’s theme is You Can Do It Too!, and I truly believe that each and every one of us, if we make a commitment to continue to learn and grow and remain cognizant of this priority can and will make the most out of our time and lives, to the benefit of ourselves and all who surround us.

Sincerely,
Jamie Tatum
OAHPERD President

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A Few Thoughts from the OAPE President

Jo Rauch

The OAPE Constitution and By-Laws revisions and updates passed 10/12/07 during the Fall Conference general membership meeting of OAPE.

Operating Codes for each board member and the elect positions have been revised and updates to match the constitution and by-laws of OAHPERD and OAPE.  The final approvals were made at the OAPE Board meeting in Salem 11/26/07.

We have a great OAPE board working for you.  The board met 11/26/07 for our first meeting of four for the year.  Meetings are set for 2/1-2/08, 5/5/08 with August meeting TBA.   

Objectives for the 2008 year:

  • Provide support for the 2008 Healthy Kids Learn Better Summer

Summit to be held at WOU, 8/11-12/08

  • Try to get more presenters for each domain of OAPE.
  • Continue working on the OAPE Web page
  • Secure nominees for each of the award level for TOY and the Excellence in PE Award.
  • Try to have at least 3 OAPE related articles in each of the OAPHERD Journals.
  • Keep abreast of legislation that could affect PE (No bills as of now – this is not a session year.) Know who your Representative and Senators are for possible contact
  • Recruit new members to OAPHERD
  • Help promote Shape Up Across Oregon, Hoops for Heart, and Jump Rope for Heart

The theme for the 2008 OAHPERD Conference has been chosen, “You Can Do It Too!”  Stepping out of your comfort box is difficult for many people.  I am challenging you to try to step out of your comfort box this next year. 

Since becoming involved on the OAPE Board I have stepped out of my comfort box a few times. 

  • Presented twice at each of the last two conferences.
  • Written articles for the OAHPERD Journals.
  • Helped organize a conference.
  • Now the President for OAPE – Huge responsibility, I do not want to let the members down.

I was quite comfortable in my teaching at Physical Education at Sam Case Elementary in Newport; I had 3 years until I retired when Matt Tornow called to ask if I would like to be the Elementary-Elect.    I had to think about it, talk it over with my family and get back to him.   A Board Position is a two year commitment.  I could do that [stepping out of the comfort box].   YOU COULD DO IT TOO!  Well, the Elementary – Elect position turned into the President-Elect position after one year. Ann Asbell, you have been a great mentor, thank you.   Dave Rasca, thank you for serving one more year as Elementary Chair.  The President- Elect position along with the OAHE President-elect position plan OAHPERD conference for the following year.  (Really stepping out of my comfort box)  It was not as hard as I had anticipated.  The OAPE board gave me a lot of great suggestions for possible presentations, picked up ideas from other conferences attended, and the ideas given at the 2006 conference by members. 

I can only hope and promise to keep the momentum going for OAHPERD to have bigger and better conferences each year - through growing membership in all the Oregon Associations [OAHPERD – OAPE – OAHE] we can do this.  

I am asking all the OAPE members to step out of their comfort box  (Go out on a limb) this next year by doing one or all of the following:

  • Volunteer to present at the Fall Conference.
  • E-mail me names of possible presenters, Sponsors, exhibitors… you would like to see at the Fall Conference.
  • Volunteer to serve on the board for the 2008-2009 year.
  • Write an article for one of the OAHPERD journals.
  • Invite friends and co-workers to join OAHPERD /OAPE membership.
  • Join AAHPERD – the National Association has many benefits – see them at the AAHPERD web site.
  • Attend the NW-AAHPERD conference  - Alaska ferry
  • Make a presentation to promote your Program - at Booster meeting, School Board meeting, City Chamber meeting, or just host an open house night.
  • Have family game night – Families come to the gym to play the students favorite games
  • Write a grant to bring in great assemblies or get that PE equipment you thought was out of reach.

If you have questions or comments please feel free to contact me:

Work: jo.rauch@lincoln.k12.or.us
Home: lrrauch@msn.com

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ALL IS GOOD AT AAPHERD NSLC

By Chris Surface (OAPE Student Chair, OSU Senior)

This years AAHPERD National Student Leadership Conference was held in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado at the YMCA of the Rockies, located 65 miles northwest of Denver. The conference center sat upon 8,010 feet of majestic Rocky Mountains and was an awe-inspiring site. Students from across the United States gathered under the AAHPERD flag to learn and grow professionally through leadership. AAHPERD President John Bennett and Past President Danny Ballard led the gathering; among others were Central District President Dennis Docheff and Eastern District President Elect Gene White.

The conference spanned over three action packed days. Students were paired up with two to three roommates from different parts of the United States. Future leaders were also paired into mentor groups which were lead by a group mentor and an AAHPERD official. Students went to break out sessions with these groups and worked on outside projects together. Participants brought back ideas and thoughts from the break out sessions and shared them with their roommates. Each day was jammed full of short speeches and activities that were nothing short of inspirational. One such session included tips on interviewing and interview practice, while another focused on professional disposition and “living your dash”.

Many of the sessions focused on communication. Be it through advocacy, speeches, group work, or non-verbal all were equally favored and effective. Among these communication tasks was a Sherpa Indian March in which all but one person in a group was blindfolded. The task required that the leader (who was not blindfolded) lead the rest of the group through non-verbal communication two miles from start to finish. The course was filled with ups, downs, overs, unders, and arounds. Needless to say, there were many laughs and strangely enough, many animal noises (from the students in the back of the line).

On the last day of the conference, a large herd of Elk was seen walking through the parking lot of the conference center as snowflakes made their way to the ground. New found friends were seen getting contact information and sharing hugs and ideas. No one was quite ready to leave the people and place that inspired them to grow and reach farther than they had before they arrived. As the 2007 AAHPERD National Student Leadership Conference faded away behind the majestic Rocky Mountains, it became an experience I will never forget.

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You Can Do It Too!

Observations of a new member
By
Shannon Rackowski

My background is Physical Education from the State of Hawaii.  I have been teaching Child and Adult Fitness classes as well as Dance classes in Lincoln County for 27 plus years.  As the new Adult Chair-elect for OAPE Board, I would like to compliment the wonderful Fall OAHPERD Conference held October 12, 2007.  Every aspect of this conference was top notch in my opinion.  Each and every class session I attended was incredibly informative.  I was a writing fool taking notes during the classroom sessions.  Whether I was learning something new or thoughts and ideas were being reintegrated to me – this is what learning is all about. 

I brought back to my classes not only new information; but also new moves.  Yes, I modified some of the skills and activities to create new routines for my adult classes, but I also brought back new ways to relate to my clients.  In fact, some of my clients asked me to never attend another conference, because I made them work even harder than I normally do with all the new moves I had for them.

Not only do I plan to attend the 2008 OAHPERD Conference, but I plan to bring the Youth Director and Coordinator from the Newport Parks and Recreation Center.  I believe he will get great ideas from the conference just as I did.   Thank you for the opportunity to be apart of this association and remember – YOU CAN DO IT TOO!  Bring someone with you to the 2008 conference, learn new ideas, and use the ideas in your classes.

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2007 OAPE General Meeting

Ann C. Asbell, Past President, OAPE

Although the Oregon Association of Physical Education (OAPE) General Meeting at the OAHPERD Conference was only 45 minutes, it was jam packed with business.  First on the agenda the outgoing officers were recognized.  Thanks to the following professionals who have served:
Sherry Watkins, (Treasurer), David Rasca (Elementary), Robin Smith (Student), Cathy Weeks (Middle School), Jeannie Harris (High School), Monica Roshak (Adapted), Andi Wavra (Member-at-Large), Kathy Edmiston (Dance), Cheryl Wardell (Sport), Brian Jackson (Higher Education). Members elected at the meeting were:  Marigay Schopp (President Elect), Brian Jackson (Secretary/Treasurer Elect), Joanna Delanty (Student Elect), Shannon O’Bannon (Elementary Elect), Matt Hein (Middle School Elect), Dani Blackwell (High School Elect), Tanya Littrell (Higher Education Elect), Emanuel (Manny) McGladrey (Sport Elect), Raquel Tambio (Dance Elect), Shannon Rackowski (Adult Elect), and Heidi Wegis (Member-At-Large Elect).  There was no candidate for Adapted Chair Elect, and Kathy O’Bannon realized after the election that she was not able to serve.  If you are interested, in either Adapted or Elementary, please contact Jo Rauch, Jo_Rauch@lincoln.k12.or.us. 

Three fantastic professionals were recognized as Oregon Teachers of the Year.  Marigay Schopp, Schirle Elementary, Salem-Keizer, Lynn Barry, Gardiner Middle School, Oregon City, and Dani Blackwell, West Albany High School.  The next step for these winners will be to vie for the District Teacher of the Year at their level.  Teachers of the Year are also recognized at the College and Adapted levels.  If you know of a professional at any level that should be considered, please send contact information to Catherine Boshuizen, catboss12@hotmail.com.

OAPE members approved several revisions to the Constitution and By-Laws.  Here is a summary of the changes:

  • Several years ago Sport and Dance were merged into OAPE, unofficially.  The changes made this official and changed all numbers related to the Board, especially the voting members.  In addition the student chair was given the right to vote.  The name of the Special P.E. Council will be changed to Adapted Physical Education.
  • Responsibility for communicating through the OAHPERD Journal is defined.  This important means of communication had not been identified in the current document.
  • The duties of secretary/treasurer and secretary/treasurer elect were switched.  The elect will have responsibility for recording minutes.  The chair will have responsibility for the finances and budget.  The Board felt that the person who has been on the Board for a year is in a better position to understand the finances and formulate the budget. 
  • Responsibility for the Awards was removed from the duties of past president and added to the duties of the member-at-large and the member-at-large elect.
  • These committees or duties were deleted as they no longer function:  Membership Committee, Professional Standards Committee, requirement of council chairs to keep written records of activities within their interest areas. 
  • Wording was changed to broaden the scope of OAPE.  The phrase, ‘Physical Education/Activity, Dance, and Sport’ is used in several places to replace ‘Physical Education’ or ‘Physical Education and Dance’.

The OAPE Board had a productive year.  Please consider volunteering to serve on the Board.  There are four meetings throughout the year in addition to the OAHPERD Conference and OAPE General Meeting.  More than anything else, members enjoy the new friendships and connections made through work on the Board.  If you are interested in serving on the Board, please contact Ann Asbell, ann.asbell@oregonstate.edu.

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NWD AAHPERD President’s Project 2007

District Membership Challenge
Pamela Skogstad

Each year the president has a fund of approximately 1000 dollars.  The fund is appropriated for a project created by the presiding president.

This year as president of NWD I have chosen a membership challenge for NWD.  

Membership Challenge:

  • 1000 dollars to the State which brings in the most members (minimum of 10)
  • Timeline: September 07 through April 08, 2008 to be awarded to NWD State Representatives at the NWD/SWD Social April 11, 2008 at Nationals in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Advocacy Message
Message from NWD president, Pamela Skogstad:

NWD is the smallest district in the AAHPERD Alliance, understandably the larger Eastern, Midwest and Southern districts have a substantial membership base. Our members make our district and alliance strong and viable!  NWD’s membership is made up of those who are national members, if you are a member of your State AAHPERD only you are not counted as a member with NWD.

AAHPERD has a membership of approximately 21,450 with a potential of 200,000 members on a national level.  We need a strong membership base as AAHPERD is the ONLY association which:

  • Advocates for your profession on Capital Hill
  • Advocates for  your profession to be recognized in NCLB as a core course in curricula in public education
  • As AAHPERD advocates on Capital Hill in Washington their voice could be “louder” with a membership of 200,000
  • Go to aahperd.org and check out the wealth of information available to AAHPERD members!

Come join AAHPERD and support your profession!

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O.A.P.E. HONORS THREE TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

By Ann C. Asbell, Past President, O.A.P.E.

At the O.A.P.E. Association Meeting at the OAHPERD Conference, October 12, three of Oregon’s finest physical educators were honored as the 2007 Teachers of the Year.  These teachers will now compete for the 2008 Northwest District Teacher of the Year.  If chosen, the final step will be competing for the 2009 National Teacher of the Year presented by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. 

Marigay SchoppMARIGAY SCHOPP is the Elementary Teacher of the Year from Schirle Elementary School, Salem-Keizer S.D.  Marigay also serves as the Teacher Leader for elementary P.E. in the district.   Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Kansas, and her Masters degree is from the University of Northern Colorado.  In Oregon, she has also taught and/or coached at Philomath, Willamette University, and Western Oregon University.  She has served as the OSAA Volleyball commissioner for the Mid-Valley Officials Association since 1993.  Marigay has been a panelist at CCEPE and has served on the Oregon State PE Content Panel for five years.  Other activities include work for Special Olympics, Jump Rope for Heart, Awesome 3000 Volunteer Fun Run for Kids, and the Jaycee Relays.  From her statement of philosophy:  “Physical education has a unique venue for teaching social skills to children, and these skills are essential to not only classroom management but also for working with others throughout life.  I incorporated Don Hellison’s levels of responsibility in my classroom, and they are now a school wide language for my school community.”  A letter from her principal, Heidi Litchfield, stated:  “Not only is Marigay a gifted instructor, a compassionate co-worker, and a dedicated leader, but she also exemplifies the heart of a teacher by selflessly and continuously giving to others. 

Lynn BarryLYNN BARRY, Thora B. Gardiner Middle School, Oregon City S.D., was selected as the Middle School Teacher of the Year.  In addition to teaching, she also is the activities and athletic director, the intramural program director, the track and field coach, and she serves on the Gardiner Leadership Team.  Lynn received her undergraduate degree from Western Oregon University and her Masters Degree from Oregon State University.  She has been at Gardiner M.S. for eight years.  Lynn was chosen as the 2006 “Teacher of Distinction” by the Chamber of Commerce of Oregon City.  She has been the leader of many district and school events including Jump Rope for Heart, Gardiner M.S. Field Day, and Family Fitness Night.  She was one of the presenters at the Oregon City SD Elementary Physical Education Teacher workshop, and she had significant responsibility in the curriculum mapping for elementary teachers in the district.  She states as her philosophy:  “As educators, we have the responsibility and obligation to provide all children, regardless of their ability or disability, with an equal opportunity to learn the basic principles, importance, and benefits of physical education.”  In a letter from Chris Mills, principal of Gardiner M.S., he stated:  “I can say that Lynn has completely changed the face of physical education at Gardiner Middle School.  She has developed a new and exciting program that emphasizes life long fitness activities.” 

Dani BlackwellThe high school Teacher of the Year is DANI BLACKWELL from West Albany High School of the Albany School District.  She earned her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Oregon State University and taught one year at Colin Kelly Middle School before taking her current position.  She has been at West Albany for eight years.  She is also teaching as an adjunct instructor for the MS-PETE Program at OSU.  Dr. Barbara Cusimano, the director of the MS-PETE Program stated:  “Dani Blackwell is without a doubt one of the most dynamic, energetic and knowledgeable high school physical education teachers in Oregon.”  Dani has shared her knowledge throughout the state by serving on three Oregon Department of Education curriculum committees and by presenting at OAHPERD and CCEPE.  She also is involved with Oregon’s Healthy Kids Learn Better Coordinated School Health.  She is involved in the community, particularly as the Boy Scout Physical Fitness Merit Badge Leader.  “My philosophy of teaching physical education is both simple and complex.  I simply believe physical education is the most important subject in school and life…..Learning how to be healthy is a complex skill, but by being active students learn it is possible!”

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CALL FOR O.A.P.E. AWARD NOMINATIONS

Nominations are open for the 2008 Oregon Association for Physical Education awards.
 
If you would like to nominate someone for either the Teacher of the Year or Excellence in Physical Education Awards, please send the name and contact information to one of these members of the Awards Committee:

Ann Asbell, ann.asbell@oregonstate.edu
Heidi Wegis, wegish@onid.orst.edu
Catherine Boshuizen, catboss12@hotmail.com

Teacher of the Year Requirements:

  • Degree in and certification as a physical education teacher
  • Minimum of five years teaching experience in physical education
  • Full time teaching contract, current at the time of nomination and selection
  • Minimum of 60% of total teaching responsibility in teaching physical education classes
  • Current member of OAHPERD and OAPE*
  • Current member of AAHPRD and NASPE*

*The nominee must be a current member as of July 15, the deadline for applications.  Additional information can be found at the NASPE Website:  http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/template.cfm?template=naspeawards/toy_t.cfm

Nominees will be required to submit the NASPE application as found on the above Website.  Committee members can provide a Word document to facilitate the process, or it can be downloaded from the O.A.P.E. Website:  http://www.oahperd.com/oape/resources.php

Excellence in Physical Education Requirements:

  • Provides quality physical education (individual or program) based on current pedagogical practices and research
  • Holds a current Oregon Teaching License to teach physical education
  • Has actively participated in physical education professional development within the last 18 months

Nominees will be required to provide a letter of support from an administrator or professional colleague.  The selection will be based on an essay of 500 or less words describing the highlights of his/her program.

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AlaskaNorthwest District Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance

With Alaska and Washington AHPERD’s
“North to Alaska”
Annual Convention
July 31-August 4, 2008

Dear Exhibitor,

NWD cordially invites you to exhibit your products and services to professional members at our 75th Annual Convention. The NWD Annual Awards Banquet and Convention offers interested companies and organizations the unique opportunity to interact with the state leaders and professionals in the health, physical education, sport, recreation, and dance disciplines.

The dates for our upcoming annual convention are Thursday, July 31, 2008 through August 4, 2008.  The convention will begin with a pre-conference in Bellingham Washington July 31, followed by the Awards Banquet.  On August 1 we board the Alaska Ferry “Columbia” and travel the inside passage to Juneau, Alaska. The convention will be August 1-4 on the ferry, with a post conference held in Juneau, August 4 from 1-5 pm.  The ferry carries approximately 500 people; not all of the people on the ferry will be registered for the convention, but they will be welcome to visit with you and your materials.

Single booth:  $400.00
Double booth: $600.00
Triple booth:   $800.00

Also available is our NWD Premier Package should you want to take advantage of maximum visibility for your company and become a sponsor for our convention.   Sponsorship packages include:

NWD Partner $3,000 ~ Awards Banquet Title Sponsor - Summer 2008

  • Logo Banner at Awards Banquet
  • Company name in Banquet Program
  • Logo on web site for one year
  • Full page ad in Convention Program
  • Newsletter recognition (4 issues)
  • Company catalog/brochures at registration booth
  • Double Exhibit Booth space
  • Convention Session opportunity (4)

Platinum Sponsor ~ Convention

Registration Gift~$2,000
Guest Speakers~$3,000

Platinum sponsor – convention -continued

  • Logo banner at Convention Registration area
  • Logo on Convention gift
  • Logo on website for one year
  • Full page ad in Convention Program
  • Newsletter recognition (4 issues)
  • Company catalogs/brochures at registration booth
  • Double exhibit booth space
  • Convention Session opportunity (3)

Gold Sponsor ~ Convention

Printing~$2,000
Convention Hospitality~$2,000

  • Logo on website for one year
  • 1/2 page ad in Convention Program
  • Single exhibit booth space
  • Convention session opportunity (3)

Silver Sponsor ~Convention

Exhibit Area~$1,500
Registration~$1,000

  • Logo on website for  six months
  • 1/4 page ad in Convention Program
  • Single exhibit booth space
  • Convention session opportunity (2)

Making connections with those in the allied fields keeps your company abreast of the vital needs within the teaching, coaching and fitness realms. Your goods and services likewise provide professionals with products to assist students and athletes to the highest degree.  It clearly is a win-win situation.  Deliver your message and qualify leads and contacts.  Sign-on today as a NWD Convention Sponsor and success will not be far behind! 

Enclosed you will find an order form for exhibit space, sponsorship. We urge you to place your order by March 15, 2008.  If you are considering sponsorship, please send your order by  March 1, 2008 to meet newsletter deadlines. Please feel free to contact me directly at 509-526-8623 (w) 509-529-8376 (h) or by e-mail gdsee@charter.net with any questions or concerns.

Registration Form 2008 [ pdf format]

Ferry Reservation Form [ pdf format]

Sincerely,
Gayle See
NWD Executive Director/ 
Convention Program Chair

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Physical Education Expansion K-8 (PEEK-8): Teacher Hire Grant Application  

The PEEK-8 grant was established by the state to support activities related to meeting the Physical Education requirements for instruction of students in kindergarten through grade 8 as described in OAR 581-020-0250 (adopted December 6, 2007).  The teacher hire component of this grant will enable school districts and public charter schools to hire licensed physical education teachers.  The grant application is available at: http://www.ode.state.or.us/news/announcements/announcement.aspx?=3238
Grant applications are due February 29.  For more information please contact Margaret Bates at margaret.bates@state.or.us or 503-947-5156.

Physical Education Expansion K-8 (PEEK-8): Teacher Hire Grant Application [ pdf format]

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Oregon Department of Education Physical Education

Margaret Bates
margaret.bates@state.or.us
If you are interested in being on my physical education email list, please let me know!

Physical Education Expansion K-8 (PEEK-8) Grants are Released
The PEEK-8: Professional Development was released on December 11, 2007.  The grants were authorized by the 2007 legislature through HB 3141.  The grant was designed to support activities related to meeting the physical education minimum number of minutes for instruction as described in OAR 581-020-0250 (150 minutes/week for students K-5 and 225 minutes/week for students in grades 6-8).  School districts and public charter schools had flexibility within the grant guidelines for determining specific evidence-based professional development that would lead to meeting the physical education requirement for instruction of students in K-8.  The ODE received 17 applications and is reviewing and scoring the application during the first two weeks of February.

Another grant authorized by the HB 3141 was released on January 15, 2008.  The PEEK-8: Teacher Hire was designed to assist schools and school districts to hire teachers to teach physical education thereby supporting their meeting the minimum number of minutes for physical education instruction.  The closing date for this grant is February 29, 2008, with an award date of March 28, 2008.  Grant applications are available at www.ode.state.or.us/go/pe.

Just a reminder that Fall 2008 will involve a report from school districts the amount of time physical education students have physical education.  The reporting process to ODE is called a “data collection”.  The data collection will include accounting for the number of students in the school and how much each physical education each receives every week for the whole year.  It will also include a report of the type of instructor teaching the class (e.g., licensed, missassigned).  A different data collection will consist of reporting the facilities available for physical education instruction.

Physical Education Instruction Materials Adoption

School districts have been reviewing Instruction Materials for physical education!!  Wow, what a treat to have something to look at to help in the instruction.  Some students learn better through vision rather than just have a lecture.  Now, physical education has some instructional materials in help in the instruction.  No, students don’t have to sit and read for a long amount of time and no the instructor does not have to lecture.  The instructional materials are to support and give structure to those students needing another place to get information.  Instructional materials can be used as a station to get some information, completing a worksheet, putting into practice something in the reading, before moving to the next station.  Instructional Materials were adopted by the State Board for grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.  For more information go to: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=92

High School Diploma

As physical educators at all levels, we should be encouraging our students to include in their education plan physical activity and physical education including collecting evidence to show extended application.  Middle and high school teachers, especially, make contact with your counselors and school leadership to find out how your school is assisting students to develop an education plan.  The education plan should begin in middle school.  Physical education should be part of the education plan, not just the 1 credit requirement, but continued physical education will engage the student in physical activity. For more information visit ODE website at: http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/real/diploma/

Have a wonderful rest of the school year and please feel free to contact me anytime for your questions, concerns, and successes!

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Call for OAHPERD Conference Sessions [ download PDF ]

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Keynote: "High Activity Solutions for a Low Activity World"

Presented By: Paul Rosengard

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Fourth International Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) in Physical Education and Sport

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2008

Conference Theme: Understanding Games: Enhancing Learning in Teaching & Coaching

The conference planning committee invites you to join the fourth world conference to learn, experience, and engage in TGfU as it is presented by delegates representing over 20 countries.

Official Endorsement

This conference is hosted by The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada and is sponsored by the Association Internationale des Ecoles Superieures D’Education Physique (AIESEP), Canadian Association of Health, Physical Education (CAHPERD), Council of Professor of Research (CUPR), National Association of Physical Education and Sport (NASPE), British Columbia Physical Education and Kinesiology Association (BCPEKA) and British Columbia Physical Education (BCPE).

Program
As the decade comes to an end, physical educators must work to advance the profession and to explore ways to make our various movement and sport programs lively, effective and engaging. Our search should focus on specific educational outcomes in sport and game education – outcomes that focus sharply on the personal, physical, intellectual, social and spiritual growth of our students. This conference will examine the ways in which TGfU facilitates such a focus. Presenters will offer input on what the research tells us, how we can get started and how we can implement and assess the approach in our school programs.

We are delighted to announce that five keynote speakers have agreed to present. They are Rod Thorpe and David Bunker, the original innovators of the TGfU approach in 80’s at Loughborough University, UK, Judith Rink, who has been immersed in assessment research of TGfU in the USA, Lynn Kidman, who is widely published on TGfU in the coaching arena, working with National teams such as the New Zealand All Blacks, and Raymond Liu, who is currently involved in cross cultural gender research and in mapping the development of TGfU in Hong Kong.  In addition, invited speakers will add innovative insights on the use of the TGfU approach, with Inez Rovegno focusing on child development and game structures, Jamie Mandigo on the development of physical literacy, and Jean-François Richard on educational assessment in games teaching.

Further details can be found at the Conference website: www.TGfU.org
Or, you can email Joy Butler for further information: joy.butler@ubc.ca

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TEACHING GAMES FOR UNDERSTANDING

International Conference May 14 - 17, 2008

Dear PE and Coach Colleagues,

The registration rates for 4 days of the conference (including food) are $325, however we have a discount rate of $275 for teachers and coaches, $300 for AIESEP members and a rate of $125 for full-time students. Accommodation is on site at UBC ranging from $40 per night to $160. Registration at http://educ.ubc.ca/tgfu/registration.html

Here is a quick update on the 4th International TGfU conference.  

  • Over 100 proposals from 18 different countries and including 155 delegates have been submitted.  
  • Eight invited keynotes representing some of the biggest names in PE pedagogy in the last 10 years.
  • 25 practical workshops promise the most current insights on teaching and coaching games informed by research and practitioners’ experiences.
  • 4 International Symposia
  • PE-BC Symposium and forum
  • 10 extended sessions
  • 39 research papers
  • poster sessions, workshops and  discussion forums, all designed to promote pedagogy in games teaching and coaching.

The conference website is http://educ.ubc.ca/tgfu/

The conference planning committee looks forward to seeing you next year in Vancouver!

"TGfU...simply good pedagogy."

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NO TIME TO LOSE IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS

For more information, contact:
Paula Keyes Kun (703) 476-3461; pkun@aahperd.org

Reston, VA, November 6, 2007 -- A recently released Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study shows that while the great majority of schools do provide physical education, the amount of class minutes per week in most schools does not meet national recommendations.  The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), which has set the standard for the physical education profession for over 32 years, recommends at least 150 minutes per week of instructional physical education for elementary school students and 225 minutes for middle and high school students.  The CDC, American Heart Association (AHA), National Association of State Board of Education, American Academy of Pediatrics, and other organizations support this recommendation.

According to the CDC’s School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) 2006, only 4% of elementary schools, 8% of middle schools and 2% of high schools provide daily physical education for all grades for the entire school year.  Overall, 22 % of schools did not require students to take any physical education. 

“These findings, coupled with the rising rates of childhood obesity, confirm our country’s need to strengthen physical education in the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind,” said NASPE Executive Director Charlene R. Burgeson.  “That is why NASPE, AHA, and 26 other     supportive organizations to-date, including the National PTA and School Nutrition Association, are advocating for support of the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids Act), federal legislation which addresses the nation’s childhood obesity epidemic by putting more emphasis on quality physical education and physical activity for all public school children.”

The FIT Kids Act, which was introduced in the House by Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI), Zach Wamp (R-TN) and Jay Inslee (D-WA), and the Senate by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) would better integrate physical education into the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) by encouraging schools to work towards national recommendations for class time.  It would also engage parents and the public by requiring that schools, districts, and states include measures of the quantity and quality of physical education in the “report cards” currently used, such as whether physical education is being taught by a certified/licensed physical education teacher and an age appropriate physical education curriculum is being utilized.  In addition, the FIT Kids Act would support professional development for physical education and health education teachers as well as principals and classroom teachers.  Lastly, it would fund research and a pilot program to support effective ways to combat childhood obesity and improve healthy living and physical activity for all children.    
“This report underscores the need to integrate FIT Kids Act into No Child Left Behind and encourage schools to provide high-quality physical education to keep kids active and healthy,” said Daniel W. Jones, M.D., American Heart Association President. “With more than nine million American children and adolescents considered overweight, it’s more important than ever for us to give kids the tools they need to reduce their risk for cardiovascular diseases.”

Need for Qualified Physical Education Teachers
Although it is critical for states, districts and schools to require daily physical education, this requirement alone does not guarantee quality physical education instruction.  Qualified teachers are one of the most important components of a quality program.  A positive trend identified by SHPPS is that the percentage of states which required newly hired staff who teach elementary school physical education to have undergraduate or graduate training in physical education increased from 51% in 2000 to 65% in 2006.   

Nationwide, 80% of schools required newly hired physical education teachers to have undergraduate or graduate training in physical education or a related field; 77% percent required newly hired physical education teachers to be state certified, licensed or endorsed in physical education.

According to Burgeson, “SHPPS data demonstrates that hiring qualified physical education teachers can be done and that the majority of schools are doing it.  Ensuring that physical education at all levels is taught only by certified physical education teachers needs to be a priority for our students’ health and well-being.” 

Curriculum Requirements are Lacking
A standards-based and age appropriate curriculum is key to effective physical education instruction.  Unfortunately, only 30% of districts required schools to use a particular curriculum for elementary school physical education, 36% of districts required this for middle schools, and 34% required this for high schools.  Burgeson feels that “this problem has an easy fix, as many excellent curricular resources and models available are to schools.”

Professional Development Funding Increased 
As recognized by a provision of the FIT Kids Act, the need for professional development continues to grow.  During the period between 2000 and 2006, SHPPS found an increase in the number of states and school districts that provided funding for, or offered staff development to those who teach physical education.  Professional development on topics that are critical to helping students develop a healthy lifestyle, such as administering or using fitness tests, evaluating student performance in physical education, encouraging family involvement in physical activity, and methods to increase the amount of class time students are physically active, increased by approximately 25%.

The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport.  NASPE’s 16,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers, sport management professionals, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare physical activity professionals. The mission of NASPE is to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs through research, development of standards, and dissemination of information.  It is the largest of the five national associations that make the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD).  For more information, visit www.naspeinfo.org.

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Sports, Play & Active Recreation for Kids!

SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids):

  • Has been proven effective in a rigorous research study (Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health) -- the only study that has shown effects in student fitness, sports skills, and academic achievement. SPARK students did as well or better on standardized achievement tests than non-SPARK P.E. kids that spent almost 300% more time in the classroom!
  • Featured in the U.S. Surgeon General's report on Health and Physical Activity as a national program that works. 
  • Is an “Exemplary Program” of the National Diffusion Network of the U.S. Dept. of Education (only the second elem. P.E. program in the country to receive this honor, the first no longer exists)
  • Received the “Governor’s Commendation” award from Governor Pete Wilson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in May 1993
  • Offers participating teachers a unit of credit from San Diego State University (Gold Program)
  • More research papers have been published from the SPARK study than any other physical education program ever, regardless of grade level -- to date, 38 in professional journals
  • SPARK maintains an 800 number, e-mail site and home page so educators may contact SPARK any time with questions on physical education content or instruction. This consultation and support is provided at no charge to people that purchase SPARK curricula and/or participate in staff development
  • SPARK has been selected as the physical education program by a number of federal and state grants.  Universities such as Stanford, John Hopkins, U. of Arizona, U. of New Mexico, U. of Alabama Birmingham, U. of Tenn. Memphis, UCLA, Univ. of Nevada, Reno, U. of West Virginia, to name a few, use the SPARK program for their studies
  • SPARK has worked with teachers from over 3500 schools/organizations in 22 states (including over 300 in CA) and students representing all cultures and socio-economic status
  • Six SPARK schools in California have won Physical Education awards!

Contact SPARK at: 1 800 772-7573 or spark@sparkpe.org
SPARK Web site: www.sparkpe.org

 

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Memorandum: PEAK - Fundraising to Support PE Legislation Implementation

To:

Phil Donovan and John Valley

From:

Owen D. Blank

Date:

January 3, 2008

Subject:

PEAK - Fundraising to Support PE Legislation Implementation

This memorandum provides a general outline of the proposal I discussed at our recent meeting. As the members of PEAK well know, the initial funding provided by the State for pilot programs to implement the P.E. minutes legislation is far less than needed. The funding will be awarded by ODE in a competitive process conducted pursuant to rules and procedures established by ODE. ODE anticipates that applications for funding will far exceed available resources.

The epidemic of childhood obesity, climbing health care costs, improved classroom performance, and our children's right to a comprehensive education are only a few of the "hot button" issues of the day addressed by the P.E. legislation. These issues are priority matters for many philanthropic organizations, including local and national foundations. We should seek to tap additional resources from these organizations to support Oregon's efforts to restore P.E. to our schools.

Volunteers are an important asset in any fundraising activity. Their contacts, passion, and perseverance are essential ingredients for success. However, a sustained effort will require the continuity, coordination, and grant-writing skills of an experienced staff member. This would be a part-time position and I anticipate that the costs would be in the $2000 to $3000 per month range. The person could work from home or one or more PEAK members could provide desk space at their offices. OSA could provide space for the first five months of the year. Many PEAK members could provide conference room space on an "as needed" basis, as could my law firm. Since PEAK is not separately incorporated, one of our members will need to act as the entity hiring the staff person or letting the independent contract for the fundraising coordinator.

I propose we try to obtain commitments to fund a three-year effort. Ideally, a sufficient number of PEAK members could commit $3000 to $5000 per year each to fully fund the effort. If not, we could apply to the Oregon Community Foundation for a "development grant".

Whenever fundraising occurs on a cooperative basis by several organizations it is important that it not be perceived as a substitute for support each organization needs from its current and future donors. To avoid this risk and other "political" issues, the fundraising would clearly be done on behalf of PEAK with the funding going exclusively to support the implementation of the P.E. legislation by the school districts. To assure the latter and avoid duplicative administrative procedures and costs, the grant process would "piggy back" the ODE process. In other words, the funds raised would simply increase the amount of money ODE has to award through the procedures it has established. In our recent meeting, Ms. Bates indicated that this was feasible. No funds will actually be received by PEAK. All funds will be paid directly to the school districts or to a special account at ODE for the designated purpose.

In order to address the concern that our efforts not be a substitute for funding the State should provide or be a disincentive to legislative funding increases in the future, I suggest that we impose a matching limit vs. the funding provided by the State and/or additional funding (i.e. over current levels) by the school districts. The actual percentage for the match is not as important as the concept, but I think our self-imposed limit should be on the generous side.

Two action items are required to proceed further (and in this order): (a) PEAK's general approval of the proposal and (b) receipt of sufficient commitments by PEAK members to fund the fundraising position.

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NASPE/FLAGHOUSE STARS PIPELINE GRANT REQUEST

[ download PDF ]

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