Vermont Physical Education

The Role of Outdoor Education in Development of Key Competencies

2010-12-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

From the Otago Daily Times, New Zealand
"A physical education teacher in New Zealand has completed the first substantive research that proves what many physical education teachers have believed for a long time — that outdoor education enhances classroom studies. Grant Billcliff has spent the past six months researching outdoor education in schools, and found pupils learned to work together and care for themselves better as a result of participating in outdoor activities."

To read the article, click here.

Recent Press about PE Waivers

2010-12-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

The discussion about allowing waivers for physical education requirements has grabbed national media attention. Below are two recent publications:

ABC News, December 14, 2010
More Students Opting Out of Phys Ed Desptie Obesity Epidemic

USA Today, December 14, 2010
More States Let Students Opt out of P.E. Classes

New Child Study - Fitness and Brain Development

2010-09-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

Researchers have found further data associating physical fitness and the brain in 9- and 10-year-old children: Those who are more fit tend to have a bigger hippocampus and perform better on a test of memory than their less-fit peers. The new study, which used magnetic resonance imaging to measure the relative size of specific structures in the brains of 49 child subjects, appears in the journal Brain Research. "This is the first study I know of that has used MRI measures to look at differences in brain between kids who are fit and kids who aren't fit," said University of Illinois psychology professor and Beckman Institute director Art Kramer, who led the study with doctoral student Laura Chaddock and kinesiology and community health professor Charles Hillman. "Beyond that, it relates those measures of brain structure to cognition." To read a study summary, click here.

New PE Assessment & Grading Workshop

2010-09-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Date: Friday, December 3, 2010
Time: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Doubletree Hotel, South Burlington, Vermont

Register on-line: www.cvedcvt.org

Assessment of standards-based learning in physical education is a critical component of a high quality, effective program. Accordingly, Vermont schools are required to develop and implement a PK-12 local assessment system. For guidance with this work, physical educators are invited to join expert Dr. Kim Kostelis to:

a) Outline the impacts of assessing learning in physical education;
b) Practice authentic formative and summative assessment techniques,
c) Explore the relationship between assessment, grading and the reporting process.

Facilitator Dr. Kimberly Kostelis is an associate professor in the Department of Physical Education and Human Performance at Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT. Dr. Kostelis serves as section editor in Pedagogy for the Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science Journal. Dr. Kostelis has presented nationally and regionally on topics including assessment, grading, and accreditation for teacher education. At Central Connecticut State University, Dr. Kostelis serves as the Assessment Chair for the School of Education and Professional Studies and also teaches graduate and undergraduate courses including Research Methods I and II; Measurement and Evaluation in Exercise Science; and Assessment in Physical Education.

Heart Rate Monitor Grant for Vermont PE

2010-07-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

The Vermont Department of Education will award grants to schools with grades 7-12 for the purchase and implementation of heart rate monitors in physical education. A total of $24,375 will be awarded to three schools. Eligible schools are invited to submit an application by September 17, 2010. Contact Lindsay Simpson with your intent to apply or for questions/information. For complete application details, please click here.

House Passes FIT Kids Act

2010-04-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

On April 21st the House of Representatives passed the FIT Kids Act, H.R. 1585, which renews the emphasis on physical education in schools. To learn more about this bill click here.

New Research Review from CDC

2010-04-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

On April 14, 2010 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new literature review entitled "The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance". The review compiles 23 years of research and includes 50 studies. The majority of the studies in this review report that physical activity was positively related to academic performance. Most importantly, adding time during the school day for physical activity does not appear to take away from academic performance. Therefore, it is recommended that schools should continue to offer and/or increase opportunities for student physical activity.

To access the report click here.

New Formats for Physical Education Grade Expectations

2010-03-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

Based on feedback from the field, the Vermont Grade Expectations (GEs) for Physical Education are now offered in two additional formats. All content is the same as was published in the original 2004 document. The first new format shows GEs arranged by content to identify skill, knowledge and attitude progression from PreK through grade 12. The second version shows all the grade expectations that are to be addressed and assessed at each grade cluster. You can access all of these documents at the site below.

Vermont Physical Education Grade Expectations

PE Universe

2010-02-22T06:14:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a little mid-year inspiration? Check out the resources at the Web site below. Fellow PE teachers have posted videos and instructions for some creative, engaging activiites.

www.peuniverse.com

The Science of the Olympics

2010-02-11T05:26:00.001-08:00

The Olympic Games are an exciting time for the world to celebrate sports and camaraderie. These events also present an opportunity to explore sports from various academic angles. Physical education can partner with other content areas, such as science and mathematics, to engage students in lessons that are rigorous and relevant. Educators might find the below resource from NBC helpful for lesson development. Good luck to all the world's Olympians - especially our Vermont stars!

http://www.nbclearn.com/olympics

New APE Professional Development Resource

2010-01-07T08:47:00.001-08:00

The National Consortium of Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPERID) recently worked with the National Association of State Directors for Special Education (NASDSE) to develop a new adapted physical education (APE) resource. The result is a video project that clearly outlines all aspects of APE, including definition, legislative issues, assessment, service delivery, quality of instruction, and more. Many excellent resources are also provided.

I encourage those seeking professional development for APE to check it out here.

Educational Leadership Issue on Health & Learning

2009-12-24T04:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

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.

The Advocacy Power of Video

2009-11-25T06:39:00.000-08:00

I invite you to view John Bentley's physical education page at Academy School in Brattleboro. Through this medium he shares videos of students practicing fitness stations or new skills. This is a powerful way to demonstrate a contemporary model of physical education. John also notes that "the videos have been very good motivation for the students and good teaching tools for me". Click here.

Make it FUN!

2009-11-11T04:52:00.001-08:00

This video demonstrates a simple but powerful message about motivating others to choose physical activity. What have you done to increase the fun factor in your physical education class? Click here to view the video.

Active Education: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Academic Performance

2009-10-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

This research brief from Active Living Research is a must-read for all physical educators. A very important tool for program advocacy. This summary of peer-reviewed research produced the following findings:

"Sacrificing physical education for classroom time does not improve academic performance."

"Kids who are physically fit are likely to have stronger academic performance."

"Activity breaks can improve cognitive performance and classroom behavior."

Click here to access the entire brief.

New Technology Grant for PE and HE

2009-09-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that the Vermont Department of Education has opened a new grant opportunity for the purchase and use of technology in K-12 physical education and 7-12 health education. Up to $40,000 will be available through state-wide, competitive grants for each content area. To access the application click here. The application deadline is October 30, 2009.

For more inforatmion about the K-12 physical education grant please contact lindsay.simpson@state.vt.us or (802) 828-1461.

For more information about the 7-12 health education grant please contact donna.mcallister@state.vt.us or (802) 828-1636.

SPARK Vermont!

2009-05-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, May 14th I had the pleasure of participating in a series of lectures at Vergennes UHS. Jake Sattelmair, PhD candidate with the Harvard School of Public Health, presented research published in "SPARK" - by Dr. John Ratey. We were joined by teachers, administrators, parents and Vermont Department of Education staff. I think all will agree that the research application is clear: we must increase physical activity to enhance student learning. I hope this spark ignites a fire of physical activity in our Vermont schools. Interventions do not have to be costly in either funds or time and our students will benefit. Success depends on sharing ideas and successful strategies.

What is your school doing to increase physical activity and improve academic performance?

PE on the Front Page of Burlington Free Press

2009-04-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

I want to share the below Burlington Free Press article about the physical activity and learning connection. Milton Elementary School’s esteemed physical education program is featured in this front page piece with full colour photos. I am hopeful that this type of positive press can really make an impact. In additon, you will read in the article that Addison Northwest SU is bringing Dr. John Ratey's colleague, Jake Sattelmair, to Vergennes Union High School on May 14th for an open community forum. I hope you will join me there for the 7:00 p.m. gathering.

Feel burn, feed brain
By Molly Walsh
April 21, 2009

Physical Activity May Strengthen Children's Ability To Pay Attention

2009-04-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

The research base linking physical activity and cognition continues to grow. This recent study, led by a University of Illinois kinesiology and community health professor, demonstrates that physical education, recess and active extracurriculars may increase students' ability to pay attention to academic lessons. Twenty 9-year-old children in the study performed better -- especially in reading comprehension -- after a 20-minute exercise session than after a 20-minute rest. To ready more click here: ScienceDaily

Share this with your colleagues, school administrators, school board, students and parents.

Health Education Standards Workshop - May 6, '09

2009-04-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

Opportunities for Achieving Excellence - Health Education Standards Workshop
This workshop will provide an overview of the National Health Education Standards (NHES), Performance Indicators and the connection between Vermont Health Education Standards and Grade Expectations. Participants will learn the characteristics of effective health education, explore ways to utilize both NHES and Vermont Grade Expectations to improve classroom instruction, and examine various forms of student assessment.

Participants are encouraged to bring health education curriculum or lessons plans and examples of student work.

Date: Wednesday, May 6th 2009
Time: 8:30 - 9:00 (registration)
9:00 - 3:00 (program)
Cost: $20.00
Location: The Old Chapel at Castleton State College

For questions about registration or to register contact:
Sandra Skeens, Castleton State College, Woodruff Hall, 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton, VT 05735, (802) 468-1456, sandra.skeens@castleton.edu

For information about the workshop, contact the presenters:
Donna McAllister, Health Education Consultant, Vermont Department of Education (828-1636) (donna.mcallister@state.vt.us)

Dr. Lisa A. Pleban, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Physical Education, Castleton State College (468-1254) (Lisa.pleban@castleton.edu)

PE4Life is Improving Learning

2009-04-01T08:51:00.001-07:00

Check out this fantastic news video clip about the PE4Life program in Naperville, IL. The district superintendent provides strong, data-based support for the program's impact on student learning.

PE Curriculum Development

2009-04-01T08:32:00.001-07:00

On March 26th 50 PE teachers and PETE students from around the state gathered at Norwich University to participate in a full-day curriculum development workshop. This event would not have been possible with financial and programmatic support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Many thanks also to facilitator Dr. Fran Cleland of West Chester University in Pennsylvania who generously shared her time and expertise. I believe we all enjoyed a full day of learning and colleagueship. Participant feedback revealed a desire for a follow-up event, so stay tuned for a workshop at the VTAHPERD fall convention, November 12-13th.

VPR Story on South Carolina School

2009-03-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

As I was driving into work last Thursday morning (2/26/09) I heard "Deskercise: Staying Jazzed And Focused At School" on VPR's morning edition. The piece features Mitchell Elementary School's moving and learning project in Charleston, SC. To listen click here

During the piece Allison Aubrey interviewed Dr. John Ratey, a ground-breaking psychiatrist from Harvard University. To learn more about his work about moving and learning visit www.johnratey.com

How is your school applying this research?

What will it take for more Vermont schools to implement this low cost, research-based concept to improve student success?

SC School - Will Daily PA Improve Academics, Behavior?

2009-02-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

The Post and Courier, February 2, 2009
Charleston, SC

There's an experiment going on at Mitchell Elementary School this school year. A committed "wellness team" of faculty members and health professionals is hoping to prove, with data backing it up, that physical activity improves learning, behavior and even test scores. During this school year, the team is taking a multipronged approach to adding activity to Mitchell, a school next to the U.S. Highway 17 Crosstown, where most of the 305 students are eligible for federally subsidized free and reduced lunches. Generally, the effort includes 40 minutes of daily, sustained physical activity, some "action-based learning" programs and an ExerLearning classroom filled with active computer games featuring dancing, cycling and virtual boxing, and even yoga on Mondays. The money for the programs comes primarily from grants and donations. To read more click here.

Advocating for Quality Physical Education

2009-02-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

I am sure you agree that in the history of education quality physical education has never been more important - important for both mind and body. Sadly, the youth obesity rate is climbing and for myriad reasons students are often disengaged from learning; jeopardizing their success as members of society. A quality PE program has great potential to engage students in school. But, as our greatest PE teachers know it is not enough to simply work in isolation to implement a high quality program. Successful PE teachers also commit and plan to educate others about their work. Students, parents, teaching colleagues, school administrators and other community members need our help to understand the learning goals of modern, standards-based PE. Some successful advocacy strategies are listed below.

1. Offer a student demonstration of a PE skill during parent-teacher conferences.
2. Produce an evening or community-based PE show.
3. Invite other adults to observe or even volunteer during a PE lesson/unit.
4. Build a Web page that highlights the standards-based learning goals and successes of your PE program. Include relevant data to strengthen your case.
5. Collaborate with teaching colleagues to connect learning in PE with other content areas.
6. Participate on your school wellness committee.
7. Share research that demonstrates the connection between physical education and learning. A great article entitled "Promoting Physical Education: The Link to Academic Achievement" is published in the January 2009 issue of JOPERD.

Each of these advocacy strategies showcases quality, standards-based PE. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) provides many useful resources for such efforts. To access these free materials click here

What strategies have you used to share the successes of your PE program?

Great Articles in January '09 JOPERD

2009-01-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

Check out the January, 2009 issue of JOPERD for two fantastic articles.

The first article entitled "Step It Up: Activity Intensity Using Pedometers" by Graser, Pangrazi and Vincent outlines a simple, research-based, and inexpensive method to assess physical activity intensity.

The seond article by Smith and Lounsbery entitled "Promoting Physical Education: The Link to Academic Achievement" outlines research that has shown the relationship between physical education and academic achievement for use in advocacy efforts.

Enjoy!

Safe Routes to Schools Grant

2009-01-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Elementary PE Teachers,

I am working with the Vermont Agency of Transportation to disseminate the Safe Routes to Schools funding. A new grant cycle is now open! Each applicant school is eligible for up to $10,000 to promote safe, routine walking and biking to school among K-8 students. (Note that infrastructure dollars will not be awarded through this grant.) This is an excellent opportunity for you as physical educators to impact community value for physical activity and health promotion. I encourage you to build a committee and consider applying for these grant dollars. Please find more information about the Safe Routes to School program and the application at the Web link below or contact Aimee Pope (802-828-5799 or aimee.pope@state.vt.us ). Proposals are due by March 13, 2009. Good luck!

Vermont Safe Routes to School
http://www.aot.state.vt.us/progdev/Sections/LTF/SRTS/VTSRTS.htm

2009 PEP Grant Now Available

2009-01-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) competition is now open. Read the official announcement here. The deadline for submission of applications is March 6, 2009. The application is found at: http://www.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/index.html

Past Vermont awardees include:

Addison Northwest Supervisory Union, 2008
Hartford School District, 2008
Washington County Youth Service Bureau, 2007
Chittenden East Supervisory Union, 2005
Washington Central Supervisory Union, 2004
Burlington School District, 2004

Welcome!

2008-12-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you for joining me here in blog land. I have decided to begin this adventure in an effort to forward conversation about physical education in Vermont. It is through this medium that I hope we will share news and ideas to improve the health of our students state-wide. True, physical education is one piece of a complex education and health system - but as we know a very critical piece for life-long wellness.

Before we tie our shoes in anticipation of this journey first an explanation... Your comments or questions are welcomed and encouraged. Afterall this is the purpose of a blog. Please note, however, that I will moderate the discussion. All posts will first be previewed by me then made available for all to view. Let's strive for professional but provocative conversation.

Lindsay