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QUALITY PHYSICAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY
EFFECTIVE TEACHING STRATEGIES
TEACHing tools and RESOURCES
Coalition for Quality Physical Education
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Unfortunately more than half of all people in the United States lead sedentary lifestyles, even when the positive effects of regular physical activity are so clear and abundant. We know that exercise can help prevent and/or treat heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, certain types of cancer, anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, obesity, hormonal issues, dementia, addiction, improve your mood, and more. We also know that exercise grows brain cells and improves synaptic connections, and as a result it enhances learning, and slows down brain deterioration as we age. And with the COVID 19 pandemic, aside from generally improving our immune system, it has become clear that being physically fit and active helps us fight dangerous viruses by preventing many of the underlying conditions that lead to premature virus-related deaths.
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So why are half of us not participating in physical activity regularly? A few key factors seem to determine if we are going to be active or not. They include COMPETENCE, CONFIDENCE, and ENJOYMENT. People tend to find time for the things they enjoy, and they are more likely to enjoy something for which they have skills and confidence. Quality physical education focuses on these three factors, helping students learn the physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills needed to become competent and confident movers who participate regularly in physical activity.
We believe all students in pK-12 should receive daily quality physical education and physical activity enrichment opportunities before, during and after school.
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 (PA) 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 believe physical education is the logical place to focus the efforts to increase physical activity. With the right kind of advocacy parents and administrators will see the importance in helping more and more programs become quality and standards-based, and support the physical education teachers who are trying to make a difference despite often lacking resources and facilities, and teaching class sizes that are too large.
We believe physical education is the logical place to focus the efforts to increase physical activity. With the right kind of advocacy parents and administrators will see the importance in helping more and more programs become quality and standards-based, and support the physical education teachers who are trying to make a difference despite often lacking resources and facilities, and teaching class sizes that are too large.
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We are inviting individuals, private industry, and non-profit groups to join us in our mission:
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Join the Coalition and Take the Pledge
Your charge is to: “walk the walk” by teaching Quality Physical Education, support physical education programs and teachers, and/or spread the word about the importance of regular physical education. Educate people who do not know that physical education is a research-based academic subject with standards and grade level outcomes. Be ready to explain what Quality Physical Education is and how it is different from Physical Activity. Spread the word about how Quality Physical Education leads to physical literacy, enhanced mental and physical health, as well as brain function and learning. See our advocacy pages for all the information and resources you need. Also check SHAPE America's Legislative Action Center and PHIT America's petition to advocate for more access to physical activity in schools.
Organizations/Corporations - Join the Coalition
If you believe you have a way for us to spread the word about Quality Physical Education to parents, administrators, and elected officials, and/or you can help us with financial support for our work, please contact us at supportREALteachers@gmail.com.
Coalition project: Spartan kids and SPARK #BEUNBREAKABLE challenge (ended)
- Who: Students (Elementary and Secondary) + we encourage family members to join in the fun!
- What: Spartan Kids #BEUNBREAKABLE Challenge Activity Sessions: All activities are designed to be done indoors or outdoors and only with family members who are known to be healthy. We encourage responsibility – participate in activities that are suitable for you and your family considering all guidelines and recommendations of the CDC. More information can be found here.
- Where: View sessions at home (indoors and/or outdoors). Internet access required.
- When: 10-week challenge starting Tuesday, April 7 and ending Friday, June 12. Sessions will be posted each week at 12:00 p.m. ET: Elementary sessions posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Secondary sessions posted on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Why: To support students accepting the challenge to be lifelong learners – advocating for their own health and wellness beyond school.
- How: To view the archived sessions, go to SPARK’s YouTube Video Library.
COALITION PROJECT: SPARTAN Adventure Races for elementary, middle, and high school
6 SPARTAN Races themed adventure races for physical education were created by 2019 National High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Dan DeJager in collaboration with SPARK and SPARTAN Races. See one example below and find the other 5 races on our Examples of Creative Fitness Activities page.
Click on Photos to Enlarge and Click Here to Download on PDF
COALITION PROJECT: SPARTAN RACE FUNDRAISING PROGRAM FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATORS (TBD DUE TO PANDEMIC)
We had planned to launch a new fundraising program for physical educators at the 2020 SHAPE America conference. The goal was to raise money for individual teachers to use for professional development, curriculum, and/or equipment needs. Due to the pandemic, this program is now on hold until further notice. We will share updates as soon as possible.
Coalition Project: SPARTAN RACE FOR EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME AWARENESS (and physical education)