As the 2011-2012 school year begins to swing into high gear, let’s think a bit about the State of Physical Education. While we are moving forward with another new school year, most of our nation’s physical education programs and individual PE teachers continue to cling to the past – with old styles of teaching, instruction, and undefined student expectations.
For every one PE teacher who sees the need to move our profession forward, there are at least three who do not. For every PE teacher who hears the call to change and responds, there are many others standing on the sidelines. For every school administrator who shakes his or her head when thinking about the school’s PE program, only a handful actually try to change the situation for the better.
According to Dr. Patricia Turner of UC-Davis, cultures exist by being broadly accepted by individuals in that culture – that’s us:
“Cultures function and persist by consensus.” Dr. Patricia Turner
While we don’t have all of the answers, we do see the problem. And I believe that the vast majority of physical educators do – even those on the sidelines.
Will you join us in the fight?
“Certainty of death… Small chance of success…
What are we waitin’ for?”
Gimli – Lord of the Rings
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