"New Normal" Is Not Justification

Do you ever read something and want to talk specifically to the person quoted in the article or story? That would be me reading this story and many other stories that discuss cutting physical education. In this article titled "Worries mount over lack of physical education in schools", there is comment by a school district's spokesman that is frustrating and lacks justification. When discussing the physical education cuts in their district, a spokesman says "We would love to have the money to fund our PE specialists and the many other positions which have been lost over the past five years, but we are also faced with living in the new normal." Wait a minute, "new normal"?  What exactly does that mean? So would people losing their houses to foreclosure be a "new normal"? If that's the case, maybe I should cut out the rational spending from my family's plan of money management. Or maybe I should quit my job, because the "new normal" is to be unemployed. Childhood obesity is running rampant in our society and his justification of cutting a program that has an opportunity to make a difference is it's the "new normal". Things like "new normals" and past practices do not make things right. One of my biggest pet peeves in education is when someone responds with the old "because that's how we've always done it" comment. That must make it the right thing then (that's sarcasm). If I were in this district, I would be very disappointed with that ridiculous comment. If you are interested in the story, here's the link:  http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/01/04/134803/worries-mount-over-lack-of-physical.html

West Virginia Physical Activity Plan

I just recently heard about West Virginia's Physical Activity Plan.  Their mission is to create a healthier state, reduce health care costs, promote economic development, and enhance their peoples' quality of life.  I didn't read the whole 44 page plan, but I did read the education section on pages 15-17.  I thought this was an amazing looking plan that addresses a wide range of valid ideas.  I specifically enjoyed the ideas of holding physical education teachers accountable, mandating daily physical education, marketing campaign, and getting family and community involvement.  Check out the plan and share your opinions.
West Virgina Physical Activity web page http://www.wvphysicalactivity.org/?pid=0
PDF of Activity Plan http://www.wvphysicalactivity.org/documents/WV%20Physical%20Activity%20Plan_Final.pdf

P.E. Article in Seattle Times

I recently read an article in the Seattle Times that some of their members of Congress are ready to fight against schools that are cutting physical education.  This is an interesting topic on many levels.  I think it's great that some members are willing to stand up for the importance of physical education and also recognize the short and long term effects of cutting these programs.  However, I also understand that some people do not believe this is something the government should get involved in.  The most alarming part of the article was reading the comments that people wrote about this particular article.  Some of the comments seemed uneducated, stereotypical, and flat out ignorant.  I felt it was my obligation to respond to some of them and give the physical education side of it.  The link to the article is below and I am "PE Teacher" in the comment section.
 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017162406_physicaled05.html

Grading Dilemma or Attitude Dilemma?

During a recent meeting with fellow physical education teachers, we had a discussion about grading.  The interesting thing about our discussion is that we had about three or four different grading philosophies that were shared and there were only six of us there. One thing we discussed is: what/how are we grading?  Is our grading participation based, performance based, discipline based, or even a combination.   Then we discussed what those specific styles look like for each of us.  I do not think there is necessarily a right or wrong philosophy.  However, I do think that the reason for some of the philosophies could be questioned.  As difficult as it is to develop an effective grading plan, one of the main factors should not be what is the least amount of work.  I understand it is difficult to grade and assess six hundred students, but that is a part of the job.  Physical education teachers often complain that their subject demands more respect and credibility.  If that is the consensus, then we need to advocate for ourselves in a positive way.  That is done first and foremost, by developing a quality physical education program and being a quality physical education teacher.  Going through the motions while teaching and sharing beliefs like "that's too much work" is not going to demand anything but negativity.  We need to eliminate these negative factors, if we want to change the perceptions of our profession.  It is and always should be about the kids, not what's best or easiest for the teachers.    

Research on Advocating for Physical Education

For my masters program I have chosen to research ways of advocating for physical education.  The research has given me so many great ideas to help improve my program and the ways in which I advocate for it.  If you get a chance to check it out, it would be very helpful.  Let me know if anything does not flow or make sense.
My Advocating for Physical Education Paper

The Obesity Epidemic

I found this site that is a great resource for childhood obesity.  It has some awesome articles and advise for parents, teachers, and children.  The site is http://childhoodobesitynews.com/
Within the site I saw an interesting billboard.  They ask the question whether it is shaming or a wake-up call.

My personal view is its reality.  If we don't like to see it or look at it, then we should help get our children in better shape rather than enable unhealthy choices like poor eating habits, limited exercise (cutting physical education time and programs), and increase screen time (tv, computers, etc.).  I'm curious how this add or billboard makes others feel?

Leadership in Action

The video is a great example of how a movement can take place.  Whether you are a leader (lone nut), first follower, second follower, or just a part of the movement, each person plays an important role.