PATERNO'S LEGACY, PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER INTELLIGENCE, AND NATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Last month, legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno passed away aged 85. For 46 years, Penn State football was viewed by many as a rare example of the way in which intercollegiate athletics and higher education could enjoy a healthy coexistence. Indeed, it appeared a relationship in which athletics and academics not only co-existed peacefully within the same institution, but both thrived and enjoyed national acclaim. Sadly, in what proved to be his last year as a coach, Paterno found himself immersed in scandal that led to his firing, and raised questions about the way in which he will be remembered. This month, guest editor Pete Van Mullen ponders Paterno's legacy.

An article published online last month raised the hackles of many physical educators with the title "Physical education teachers are not smart." It purported to use data from Educational Testing Service (ETS) that compared the SAT verbal scores by major of students passing Praxis tests. The author reported that physical education majors scored lower on the SAT than all other majors. The article spurred responses from physical education supporters and detractors alike. It also invoked criticism for the selective use of data upon which the article was based. Makes for interesting reading. Here's a link to the original article. If you Google the title of the article you will also find all sorts of responses.

Finally, as you know, the national AAHPERD convention will soon be here. New leaders for NASPE will be announced in Boston. In these challenging times, it's vital that physical education and sports have strong leadership. If you are a NASPE member, voting is now open online. Visit this link to vote for your 2012 candidates. Also at the Boston convention, delegates will be electing a new AAHPERD president. Read the personal perspectives of the two candidates for president on the critical issues facing the Alliance.

Steve Jefferies, publisher pelinks4u

THE LEGACY OF COACH PATERNO MAY BE IN THE LAST LESSON HE TAUGHT US

written by Dr. Pete Van Mullem

A mentor of mine once told me, "It's never as good as it seems and it's never as bad as it seems."

When the news of the Penn State sex abuse scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky broke in November, it left us with a sense of bewilderment, anger, and unanswered questions. Penn State football was probably never as clean and pristine as we were led to believe, and the ensuing scandal may quite possibly prove to be worse than it seems today. Unless you were withdrawn from the world the past few months, I doubt you need a refresher on what allegedly occurred at Penn State so I will spare you the details.

"They ask me what I'd like written about me when I'm gone. I hope they write I made Penn State a better place, not just that I was a good football coach." – Joe Paterno

This quote is inscribed next to a statue of Coach Paterno outside Beaver Stadium. The statue is part of a tribute erected in 2001 honoring the legendary coach and his legacy. The incidents of the past few months, including the recent passing of Coach Paterno have caused some to question that legacy, prompting discussion and disagreement in the media about Coach Paterno's enduring status amongst the great coaches.

As media pundits debate his life’s work, and try to make sense of his lack of judgment towards the end of his career, I'm reminded of a presentation given several years ago by well-known Northwest coach, teacher, and national presenter, Bruce Brown. Bruce suggested that coaching offers an exceptional opportunity to positively impact the lives of others. He told the audience of coaches that their legacy would be tied to their ability to develop character in young people, and that such a legacy would not occur without caring and commitment.

Build a Shared Vision for Physical Education in the Year 2020 and Beyond

The topic of character in sport is tricky. We want sport to teach character. We want it to be pure. Administrators and school districts enthuse about sportsmanship programs, character education workshops, and student-athlete codes of ethics. Everyone, and especially coaches, want to say they are doing it the right way. Striving to be recognized for teaching character, coaches are quick to stress teamwork, discipline, work ethic, and loyalty to the program. Until recently that was the general perception of Coach Paterno and Penn State football. Penn State set the standard for how collegiate sports should operate.

It's well established that sport tends to mimic societal values. Loyalty is a social value prized in business, esteemed in politics, and expected on the field of play. Coaches preach loyalty to their players and assistant coaches. Fans pick sides and cheer for their team. Alumni pour money into athletic programs. Teamwork, work ethic, and loyalty to a program are core ingredients for making money and winning. What better measure of success? This was Penn State. There was a passionate loyalty to Joe Paterno and the football program.

What's interesting is the development of the culture surrounding the Penn State football program. The allure of winning and money intensifies the pressure to win, challenging the coach's ability to make ethical decision while pursuing success. Moral values (respect, responsibility, and honesty) that guide our actions and impact the relationships we build with others become compromised in favor of social values (winning and loyalty) to the program.

We have seen failures of this test of loyalty, of "doing the right thing" time and again in college sport, most recently with Coach Jim Tressel at Ohio State and with Coach Bruce Pearl at Tennessee. However, as educators, the Penn State scenario is possibly a greater lesson on how the culture surrounding a sport program can cloud good moral judgment.

The social value of loyalty and the culture generated by Penn State football is possibly unmatched in sport. Throw in the worst kind of scandal and subsequent cover-up and look what happened. A test at the highest level occurred. A dilemma between a social value (loyalty) and moral values (respect and responsibility) forced ethical decisions to be made in a culture driven by money and success.

It appears that decisions were made at Penn State that put loyalty to the football program ahead of respect for the young boys allegedly put in harms way. This failure to take responsible actions to help them created an ethical scenario that those unconnected with Penn State football, or many of us find difficult to comprehend.

We try to understand what Paterno was thinking. Why did he fail to "do the right thing" when faced with a decision that challenged who he was as a leader and role model. The stories and memories told by Coach Paterno's former players touch on the moral values he expressed for decades through his teachings and actions. If the stories are true, and this is the coach he really was, then how did he miss on his duty to care when it was needed most? Was he engulfed in a culture that clouded his judgment of right and wrong? Did the weight of loyalty (social value) for Penn State and his football program prevail over his responsibility (moral value) for preventing harm to young boys? We would like to believe this is not true.

Coaches are always teaching lessons. Lessons learned from coaches go beyond the field of play and often times linger for years after being taught. I still remember the words of my junior high basketball coach, "balance is the key to life." He taught us the importance of having balance on the basketball court. It was not until years later that I realized his words had even greater meaning outside sport.

Coach Paterno taught many lessons in over 46 years as a football coach, but the one that will linger with us for years to come occurred when he allowed the culture of winning and loyalty at Penn State to impact his judgment. Sadly, a mistake was made. Coach John Wooden, a coach whose legacy is intact, often said, "Failure to act is often the biggest failure of all." Unfortunately, it's too late for Coach Paterno to act differently, learn from his mistake, or make amends to the past.

The events of the past three months and the timing of his death now leave his legacy open for discussion. Many will remember Joe Pa for his success on the field and the lives he influenced. Others will forever question, Coach Paterno's failure to act. He taught us a valuable lesson on how the pressure to succeed in sport can cloud good moral judgment. Regrettably, this last lesson may be Joe Paterno's enduring legacy.

Biography: Dr. Pete Van Mullem is an Assistant Professor in Athletic Administration at Central Washington University. He has a Ph.D. in Sport Ethics from the University of Idaho and has over 14 years of coaching and athletic administrative experience at the high school and collegiate level.

WHAT MAKES PE IN THE UNITED STATES SPECIAL?
This month, author Cindy Kuhrasch reflects on a question often posed to her by visitors from other countries. She begins by presenting national data illustrating what she terms "The Sad News." Since 1991 most activity and dietary behaviors have remained unchanged or worsened.

Continuing with "The Good News" Cindy presents evidence of what she believes is the incredible potential that physical education has in all areas of children's development. She concludes that the quality of the nation's physical education teachers is the distinguishing and critical characteristic of American physical education. (read...)

TWEETING IN THE CLASSROOM
Do you "Tweet?" Whether you do or don't you almost certainly have at least heard about Twitter, a form of social networking created in 2008. It's a way to share messages up to 140 characters long to anyone willing to subscribe to your broadcasts.

In this article, Martha Beagle describes the educational potential of tweeting. As you'll learn, there are a great many ways that Twitter could be used to share information and to collaborate on class projects. If you are a Twitter novice, or just want to understand what it is young people are doing on their phones, this article is a great introduction. (read...)

HEALTHY HEARTS: LET'S GIVE OUR STUDENTS A CHANCE!
Authors Brent Bradford, Ashleigh Evaniew, and Clive Hickson continue our celebration of American Heart Month by pointing out the importance of getting children to make healthy lifestyle choices while they are young. They point out the relationship between children's physical activity habits and the eventual impact these habits have on their adult health.

The authors emphasize the importance of teaching children fundamental motor skills when young so that they will have the confidence and competence needed to stay active throughout their lives. They also discuss the growing realization among physical education professionals of the need to make community connections outside of the gym. (read...)

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATOR
At the end of each school year Ryan Sheehy, an elementary school physical educator from Danville CA, evaluates how he's done during the past year.

In this article he explains 10 characteristics he believes are needed to be an effective elementary school physical educator. His key descriptors include role model, organized, flexible, creative, motivated, patient, safety oriented, communicator, leader, and fun.

Read more about Ryan's self reflection, and see if it agrees with your own assessment of the key qualities inherent in successful elementary school physical education. (read...)

WAYS TO ACHIEVE A HEALTHY HEART
What does the phrase "heart healthy" mean to you? Every year since congressional approval in 1963, the President has proclaimed February as American Heart Month. Valentine's Day notwithstanding, the intent of this recognition is to raise public awareness about heart disease and the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.

This month, Debra D’Acquisto writes about heart disease and the importance of exercise. More than 80 million Americans have some form of heart disease. Learn more about the ways that you, your students, and your family members can be heart healthy. (read...)

ORGANIZING A FAMILY FITNESS NIGHT
Author John Strong collaborates this month with his wife Kelly who is an elementary physical education teacher in Kenmore, NY. Kelly is a role model of a physical educator who has sought to develop closer connections between her school and the surrounding community. Among her many contributions has been the creation of a Fitness Night that encourages parents to come to school and participate with their children.

This article describes how the evening is organized, and some of the most popular activities. The authors conclude by pointing out how this type of event would be a great way to promote American Heart Month. (read...)

DEVELOPMENTAL BALL
Pamela Skogstad has been an adaptive physical education specialist for more than 25 years. She's had a lot of experience adapting equipment to meet the needs of students with disabilities. One recurring challenge has been the necessity when using most types of equipment for constant staff or peer support. Becoming increasingly frustrated with balls that moved too fast for students with disabilities to track, Pam became creative. The result (after more than 100 prototypes in her husband’s workshop) was the creation of the Developmental Ball.

Learn more about the unique features of the Developmental Ball and the ways in which Pam has been using it with students with disabilities. (read...)