​Welcome

supportREALteachers.org is an initiative of the Center for Advancement of Standards-based Physical Education Reform (CASPER), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. CASPER was founded in 1998 by Dr. Cathrine Himberg and consists of REAL teachers, parents, school administrators, and other stake holders concerned about quality physical education. We are mainly a volunteer based program based out of California State University - Chico, where Executive Director Cathrine Himberg, PhD teaches in the Physical Education Teacher Education program. ​

Our mission is to challenge physical education programs to be a part of the solution to the problem of physical inactivity in our society. We advocate for quality physical education taught by REAL physical education teachers in order to help ALL students develop the skills, the knowledge, and the desire they need to become physically active now and for the rest of their lives. We also advocate respect for the physical education profession by holding teachers and school administrators accountable for meaningful, quality physical education that is congruent with the national standards and appropriate practices.
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The Importance of Physical Education

Of the many subjects children study in school, there may be none more important than physical education. However it must be of high quality and aligned with state/national standards and guidelines. A high quality physical education program offers children opportunities to develop the skills, concepts, and dispositions needed to be active throughout their lifetime. Research has shown that a major predictor in engaging in physical activity is one's perceived competence in that activity, and this is developed in quality physical education programs.

​Sufficient, regular physical activity not only helps prevent major diseases but it also promotes learning; reduces stress, anxiety, and depression; and improves overall student wellness. It doesn’t matter if the child excels in every other subject in school and grows up to become a successful professional, with poor health any professional achievement becomes secondary.​Find more information on our pages Importance of Physical Education and Quality Physical Education.

Who Are REAL Teachers?

Reflective Engaged Accountable Life-changing ​teachers are committed to relevant and meaningful quality physical education. REAL teachers use practices that help students develop the skills, knowledge, virtues and dispositions needed to be physically active for the rest of their lives. REAL teachers do not "roll out the ball" or "babysit." They practice their profession with honor and integrity, abstain from using inappropriate teaching practices, follow the standards and guidelines for quality physical education, and continue to learn throughout their careers. REAL teachers are positive role models for children and youth, practicing what they preach by living a healthy active lifestyle.
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We changed our REAL acronym in 2020 to better reflect our organization. While our site was originally focused on advocacy and holding physical educators accountable for quality education, we have continued to expand our content and this new acronym better reflects that.

Join the Coalition for Quality Physical Education

We will all benefit from a more fit and healthy population. Aside from the overall improvement in health and wellness, health-care costs go down, workers become more productive, and students learn better. Physical activity is a tool that all children should learn how to use to boost the quality of their lives. Companies who profit from physically active people might consider the long-term investment of supporting the existing infrastructure that is school-based physical education. When it is done right, it “produces” young adults who are physically literate, and have a desire and a plan to be active for the rest of their lives. More active people = more sales of physical activity related goods and services.
We are inviting individuals, private industry, and non-profit groups to join us in our mission to:
  • Advocate the importance of quality, standards-based physical education to parents, school boards, administrators, and policy makers.
  • Support teachers and future professionals who are committed to this mission by providing or facilitating no cost access to quality resources, curriculum, professional development, conference fees, equipment, and more.
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Visit our Coalition for Quality Physical Education page for more information or contact us at [email protected].