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Accountability and secondary physical education are being united in an unique statewide initiative in South Carolina. For the very first time secondary physical education teachers are being asked what their students are learning. One third of the high schools in South Carolina must submit videotapes of motor performance, cognitive tests, evidence of physical activity outside of physical education, and Fitnessgram test scores to the South Carolina Department of Education as part of the South Carolina Physical Education Assessment Program (SCPEAP).
This initiative was presented at the AAHPERD Convention in Cincinnati, OH. Please join members of the SCPEAP board and help sustain their enthusiasm and commitment. Details featuring this unique initiative will be forth-coming.
Darla Castelli
Section Editor
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Physical Education Homework
Yes, homework in physical education! Why not? Standards education demands that all subject areas evidence student learning. What better way then to have students submit evidence of their performance? The last few issues of PELINKS4U, within the secondary section, have featured suggestions regarding homework activities. This emphasis is continued, but this time with a real life example.
The featured web site provides a great example of the integration of technology and the use of homework in secondary physical education. A World Wide Web nutrition assignment forces students to learn content knowledge and make immediate application as a consumer. We may not be able to teach our students everything about every physical activity, but if we teach them to be problem solvers, to be able to assess and maintain fitness, and to be knowledgeable consumers, then we have had a great impact. These student are evidencing their competencies as consumers.
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Body Quest
Bodyquest is an exploration of anatomy designed for students 11-18.
Braces - Yo! It's Time to Get Braces
Read stories, interviews, and lots of advice about orthodontic braces at this Thinkquest Junior award winning site. Developed with the help of over 20 orthodontists and dental specialists, it was created by a team of three fifth graders from P.S. 56 in Richmond Hill, New York. This is a site kids and their parents will enjoy.
Five a day - 5aday
Interactive site targeted at lower primary and teaching programs to highlight the value of fruit. Contains case studies, a virtual classroom and teachers' lounge.
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President's Physical Fitness Challenge Homepage
"This well organized and informative site features information about the Presidential Physical Fitness Test. Visitors can learn how to administer each test, see the actual qualifying standards for awards for both boys and girls, and you can order a free brochure to get more information."
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Please let your colleagues know about PELINKS4U, and remember you can catch up on a year's worth of news in our PE Archives.
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More Book Reviewers Wanted
Future editions of PELINKS4U will include reviews of literature of interest to physical and health educators. Email us if you are interested in becoming a reviewer.
PEP
On December 15, 2000, the U.S. Congress approved a mammoth omnibus spending bill which includes a $5 million appropriation for PEP (Physical Education for Progress). The purpose of PEP is to award grants and contracts to local educational agencies to enable them to initiate, expand, and improve physical education programs for all kindergarten through 12th grade students.
PEP grant guidelines are expected to be announced at the end of March and school districts will have six weeks to submit proposals. The winning grants will be announced the first week of June 2001 and recipients will have 12 months to complete their projects.
Funds can be used to purchase equipment, develop curriculum, hire and/or train physical education staff, and support other initiatives designed to enable students to participate in physical education activities.
The success and thoroughness of these first grants will determine if the financial support should continue. So get on your thinking caps and put your best foot forward. Your students will appreciate your efforts.
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Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.
~ Lao-Tzu ~
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A man ninety years old was asked to what he attributed his longevity. 'I reckon,' he said, with a twinkle in his eye, 'It's because most nights I went to bed and slept when I should have sat up and worried.
~ Dorothea Kent ~
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Applause, applause, for Scott Meier and the entire physical education staff in Farmington, MN! Thank you for showing us how technology, assessment, homework, student choice, health related fitness, cognitive skills, sport history, and high expectations can, and should, be integrated into secondary physical education programming. Highlights from the web site include:
- Each teacher has his/her own web site.
- Study guides for each unit of instruction.
- The inclusion of power point presentations.
- Links to USA teams, history, current events and beyond (That is the information that we want our young people surfing for).
- Video clips of sport.
- Digital pictures of students participating in unique sport activities.
- Explicit policies and procedures easily accessible for parents.
Visit the site and see for yourself. When you visit, be sure to compliment them on their hard work.
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Kids Connect
KidsConnect is a question-answering, help and referral service to K–12 students on the Internet. The goal of the service is to help students access and use the information available on the Internet effectively and efficiently.
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Videotape Assessment
The use of camcorders and video analysis have found there way into the gymnasium. For years coaches have relied on videotape to analyze performance of their athletes and opponents tendencies. Videotapes allow for the movement to be slowed down, replayed, and broken into parts. This extensive analysis isolates incidences that need to be changed, retaught, or emphasized. When utilized during physical activity, immediate feedback can be provided for the learner.
We know that students who are more successful with motor performance are more likely to be active during the later years. There are also often many unintended outcomes. Teachers tendencies - such as speaking more to male students - over use of general feedback, or lack of recognition may be revealed.
A college ice hockey coach once repeatedly told his players that they were making poor decisions during face-offs. So, to make a point, the coach wore a microphone during a game then dubbed the audio onto the videotape. Much to his surprise he did send a message, only to a different audience then his players; to himself. He realized that the players were making sound decisions "on ice" but he was just unable to see the entire picture.
Videotaping is a form of accountability for both the teacher and the student. Much like the purpose of standards or performance indicators, expectations become more clear in its presence. Smile, you are on digital video!
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The Real Story of Ancient Olympic Games
"This site examines when the first Olympic Games started, the amateur or professional status of the athletes, the role of women in the Games, their political and commercial nature, and gives a glossary of terms."
Ancient Greek Olympic in the Classroom
Ancient Greek Olympics in the Classroom is a role play and simulation game.
Olympics Games Online: EdNA
"Over the coming months, EdNA Online will highlight a selection of sites on Olympic themes and issues to support school sector research and learning activities related to the Olympics. Resources on the page are organised by topics, including History of the Olympics, Famous Olympians, Olympic sports, Olympic records, News, Issues, Lesson plans, and General resources."
Olympic Women
"This site is dedicated to women sporting pioneers, many of whom are Olympians. The year 2000 marks the centenary of the official participation of women in the Olympics and we celebrate their achievements here."
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If you have ideas, comments, letters to share, or questions about particular topics, please email one of the following Secondary PE Section Editors:
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Help to support quality physical education and health education by contributing to this site.
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