Decline of Physical Education in School Curriculumsby Callie Darroch

To learn and develop fundamental movement skills

To become physically fit to participate regularly in physical activity

To know the implications of and the benefits from involvement in physical activities

To appreciate the value of physical activity and its contributions to a healthy lifestyle

For some students, gym class is their only source of exercise.

What is the Purpose of Physical Education?

Johann Bernhard Basedow - 18th century-first person to recognize the importance of exercise's role in education

Charles Beck-In the early 19th century- first official Physical Education teacher- taught Physical Education in the form of German gymnastics

Dudley Allen Sargent- In the late 19th century-contributed to anthropometric measurements-took these measurements and compared them with standards at a given age-a series of prescribed exercises was given to meet the demands of each particular case

History of Physical Education

Physical education in the United States started in the 1800s as a result of the growing popularity of formal fitness programs in Europe

Calisthenics and gymnastics were a part of the school programs in English schools

Physical education also played an important role in colleges and universities, leading to the sports programs that are now in many schools.

Following the American Civil War, school systems adopted physical education programs and began passing laws requiring the inclusion of physical education programs in public schools.

During World War II, physical education programs became more common for men and women because of the physical fitness required in war as well as for manual labor.

Physical Education Introduced in the United States

The percentage of overweight children has more than doubled since the early 1970s.

Physical inactivity and poor diet account for an estimated 300,000 deaths per year.

Inactive children are more likely to become inactive adults.

The cost of overweight and obesity to the U.S. economy is $117 billion annually in direct and indirect medical costs.

Importance of Physical Education

Reduced Risk of Heart Failure Improved Physical Fitness Weight Reduction Good Health Promotion Self Discipline Skill Development Improved Self - Confidence Stress Reduction Increase Their Love of School and Performance

in Academics Development of Lifetime Skills and Activities

Importance of Physical Education

Decline in Physical Education•Money•National budget cuts in schools result in decline of music, art, and gym classes•to start a phys. ed. program costs a school approximately $500,000•While nearly everyone acknowledges the importance of physical activity for students, many say schools just don't have the luxury of providing it these days•tax hikes would solve problem•obesity is at its all-time highest, and physical education is at its all-time lowest since it's been introduced in the curriculum.

Critical Mass Crisis: Child Obesity“...at a time when every penny is being

pinched by every school in every district in every county in every state, physical education is taking a beating. The experts and educators say there is no doubt that the erosion of P.E. has been a major contributor to the skyrocketing obesity rates.”

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=4015831

Recent Article about Decline in Physical Education

20 percent of U.S. children will be defined as obese next year, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. That's about four times what the rate was in the 1970s.

There's a 70-80 percent chance that an obese child will become an obese adult.

Only 3.8 percent of elementary schools, 7.9 percent of middle schools and 2.1 percent of high schools provide daily P.E., according to a CDC survey

22 percent of schools don't require kids to take any P.E.

Nearly half -- 46 percent -- of high school students were not attending any P.E. classes when surveyed by the CDC.

Childhood Obesity Statistics

1/2 of young people aged 12-21 do not participate in vigorous activity on a regular basis

1/4 HS students participate in moderate activity 4+ days a week

44% HSS are not enrolled in PE 30-40% of teachers are not qualified Goal is for 150-200 mins of PE/week, at best

PE class accounts for 1.75 hrs/week Requirements are being reduced in many

states

Current Issues

More Issues•Many schools don't even have recess.•Still others have P.E. for only one-third of the year. •In most states, high school students are required to take no more than two years -- and often just one year -- of P.E.•In New York, the state comptroller recently completed an audit of 20 school districts, and all but one failed to meet minimum requirements for elementary school P.E. Classes•'Pay-to-Play' for students who want to participate in sports, ranging from $50-$500.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=4015831

http://www.ehow.com/about_6461108_history-physical-education-america.html

http://heraldbulletin.com/breakingnews/x2073117337/Schools-cut-back-on-art-music-P-E

Sources