Educational Leadership Issue on Health & Learning

Top marks go to ASCD's December/January issue of Educational Leadership, which is entirely devoted to health and learning. Excellent articles outline how health factors such as sleep, stress, bullying, self-harm, nutrition, and physical activity impact learning. In their article entitled "Why We Should Not Cut P.E." Trost and van der Mars lay out a very strong, research-based case for their discussion. From review of several international studies the authors report that "physically active, fit youth are more likely to have better grades and test scores than their inactive counterparts" (p62). Such evidence is driving decision-makers to increase opportunities for students to be active during the school day. For example, Danville School requires that students achieve 3 credits of physical education in order to graduate; twice the number of credits required by the Vermont State Board of Education. Considering the link between physical activity and learning, it is not surprising that Danville students met AYP for all required areas in both 2008 and 2009.

This entire journal provides thought-provoking material for a coordinated school health team to improve the learning environment. ASCD's Web site offers bonus items, including video and audio commentary, not available in the print publication. Click here for access to all of these resources.

Recent PE Grants for Vermont Schools

The following high schools have been granted funding to implement heart rate monitors in physical education. This program is supported through the Vermont state budget.
• Leland & Gray Union High School
• Middlebury Union High School
• Rutland High School

In addition, federal stimulus dollars were appropriated for specific content areas to implement educational technology. The below schools were awarded funding for physical education.
• Barre Town Elementary & Middle School
• Lyndon Town School
• Milton Elementary School
• Mount Anthony Union High School
• Stockbridge Elementary School

Congratulations to all grantees!
For more information about these programs contact Lindsay Simpson (802) 828-1461 lindsay.simpson@state.vt.us .

Obesity Won’t Improve Without Reforming PE

NASPE board member Bryan McCullick's article, “Obesity won’t improve without reforming PE,” is published in today’s Atlanta Constitution. Do you agree with his conclusions? Why or why not? Click here to read the article.