Spencer Pounds

05/15/12

Block: 4

Schools and Physical Education: why schools need P.E.

            Physical Education should be a prerequisite for all students of any grade and age. Students spend nearly eight hours in school Monday’s through Fridays; therefore, students should be provided with a reasonable amount of physical fitness education.  Data proves that nearly 1 out of every 5 children on average, based on a data of all high school students (See table 1) have not achieved or maintain a healthy level of physical fitness (Chomitz, Virginia R). Another study shows that an ever-increasing amount of children are losing motivation and beliefs that they will do well (Gao, Zan et al.). Physical Education is required in most states and places around the world, but is becoming less and less common.

            Obesity is prevalent among younger children and that causes them to be more likely to be obese later on in life.  If someone has a natural tendency to be active, it will cause him or her to be more active in his or her adult life. Statistics show that 1 out of 3 children in America are obese or overweight (Hardman, Ken). Physical Education can be an outlet that may provide a way for children to become healthy. If we instill healthy behaviors in schools, we can help change a child’s life positively.

            Physical Education class can provide a change of environment suitable for healthy growth. One article I found states that an unhealthy environment leads to unhealthy behavior (Amelia M. Lee). This goes to show the effects of how just a change of feeling more able to express one’s self can   This is reminder that Physical Education is a needed curriculum and provides kids with a safe place to express themselves physically. 

            Physical Education class is a place that promotes self-growth. Self-efficacy plays a major role in the physical education and how well a student does.  One article I assessed had its main focus on self-efficacy and students accomplishments. It made a direct connection between how well a student thinks he can do, and how well he actually does (Gao, Zan et al.). Schools should focus on making a student feel comfortable to help them succeed.

            Schools have a major role to play in the life of a student. With the obesity epidemic spreading throughout many countries, schools have a huge influence on how a student lives. If Physical Education class is cut from school funding, many children will lose valuable time to exercise to help instill healthy habits. Schools should also provide encouragement to help get or maintain a reasonable level of physical fitness. Providing positive reinforcement will result in positive results. They should also teach kids positive thinking to help them succeed in all physical, mental, and emotional problems. Schools have a social and moral obligation to help instill positive values in children.

Table 1:

A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J
Competence in motor skills and movement patterns	76.5	78.4	80.4	79.0	74.8	72.9	85.2	75.2	75.1
Understanding of movement Concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to learning and performance of physical activity	74.5	78.4	80.4	79.2	73.3	70.9	83.7	78.5	78.0
Regular participation in Physical activity	74.5	78.4	78.4	81.0	76.4	77.3	86.9	78.3	83.1
Achievement and maintenance Of a health enhancing level Of physical fitness	74.5	78.4	80.4	77.6	72.7	76.3	84.0	77.6	80.9
Responsible personal and Social behavior	74.5	76.5	78.4	80.6	77.1	78.4	87.1	78.9	83.4
Value for physical activity For health, enjoyment, Challenge, self expression, And/or social interaction	70.6	72.5	74.5	78.6	77.3	78.2	86.5	79.3	83.3

Legend for Chart:

B - % of All States Elementary Schools

C - % of All States Middle Schools

D - % of All States High Schools

E - % of All Districts Elementary Schools

F - % of All Districts Middle Schools

G - % of All Districts High Schools

H - % of All Schools Elementary Schools

I - % of All Schools Middle Schools

J - % of All Schools High Schools

Works Cited

Spain, Christine G. Table 1. Percentage of All States, Districts, and Schools That Had Physical Education Goals or Objectives Addressing Student Outcomes From the National Standards for Physical Education, by School Level, SHPPS 2006. Photograph. Journal of School Health. Www.ebscohost.com. By Lee M. Sarah, Charlene R. Burgeson, and Janet E. Fulton. Oct. 2007. Web. 19 Mar. 2012. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=19&sid=9a48503f-9f60-4e72-b71b-16b9b5fc341d%40sessionmgr15&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=aph&authdb=iqv&AN=3470789&anchor=toc

Chomitz, Virginia R., Robert J. McGowan, Suzanne E. Mitchell, and Glen F. Dawson. "Is There a Relationship Between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement? Positive Results From Public School Children in the Northeastern United States."Www.ebscohost.com. Web. 30 Mar. 2012. < http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=9&sid=66b5c92f-9465-49ba-9736-a21d0482e214%40sessionmgr12&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=rzh&AN=2010139237 >.

Hardman, Ken. "SCHOOLS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE." Www.hrcak.scre.hr. 2007. Web. 20 Mar. 2012. <http://scholar.googleusercontent.com/scholar?q=cache:lJf6lA4l7bwJ:scholar.google.com/+physical+education+in+schools&hl=en&as_sdt=1,41&as_ylo=2008>.

Gao, Zan, Amelia M. Lee, Ping Xiang, and Maria Kosma. "Effect of Learning Activity on Students' Motivation, Physical Activity Levels and Effort/Persistence."Www.eric.gov. Web. 20 Mar. 2012. <http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ936017.pdf>.