The Self Assessment-Program Guidance instrument aids students in selecting relevant courses of study in physical education. The instrument, which is presented and discussed, includes eight assessment and activity categories. (JMK)

The results of a study on an experimental dance program for mentally retarded children show that these children can improve in physical fitness and that success through physical activities can enhance their generally poor self-concept. (JN)

This article reports results of a study to determine effects of a supplemental physical education program based on health-related fitness factors taught and monitored by classroom teachers. Subjects were 130 students, grades four-six. Findings indicate the treatment group showed improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance, abdominal strength, and…

Researchers investigated the extent of change occurring in undergraduate enrollments, faculty assignments, and departmental names in physical education and related areas from 1980-90 at Southwestern institutions. Questionnaires indicated a shift in undergraduate enrollment from physical education/teacher education to exercise science/fitness…

This paper presents survey results from 70 physical education departments in Washington State high schools on their current student fitness strategies and how they rated each strategy. Also included are brief discussions on recent innovative strategies and recommendations based on survey findings. (GLR)

Conceptual physical education (CPE) courses are typically included in university course work to provide students knowledge and skills to engage in physical activity for life. The purpose of this study was to identify CPE course characteristics that contributed to positive and negative student perceptions. Participants included 157 undergraduates…

This study sought to determine general levels of physical fitness and knowledge of basic fitness concepts of 50 hearing-impaired college freshman. Results indicated that fitness levels of subjects were not significantly different from those of non-impaired peers, although knowledge levels of subjects appeared to be lower than the norms for…

The author reviews the literature on aquatic activity for the disabled, discussing the physical, physiological, psychological, and sociological benefits of swimming and water safety activities. Unique properties of water and legal requirements regarding physical education of the handicapped, specifically citing the development of skills in…

The responsible teacher of physical education will see that it is important for his students to realize that good health and physical fitness for the human being are important factors in improving the ecological scene in the world. (JD)

Although exercise and physical fitness programs for youth are required curriculum in most schools, the sport coach may not be properly trained in the physiological development of children. Some general guidelines are suggested for planning strength and flexibility exercises for youth in sports. (JN)

A study of 56 fifth graders found the traditional physical education approach (game techniques and fundamentals) was ineffective in improving scores on a health-related physical fitness test. Modification of the same sport (basketball) with conditioning exercises to improve cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal function, produced improvement in…

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of an eight-week health-related fitness and nutrition education program on fitness components and dietary habits in upper elementary school students. Forty children from the fifth and sixth grade, 10 to 12 years of age (M= 11.2, SD= 1.1), participated in the study. The experimental…

A study of 101 high school females revealed that most had acceptable levels of physical fitness and points to the need for students to learn that fitness skills must be practiced all the time, and not just in required physical education classes. (CB)

A study of the effectiveness of Washington State University's aerobic dance program showed that participation in the program did not improve students' cardiovascular fitness. Aerobics instructors should be trained to use pulse rate and other principles of exercise physiology to make their work more effective. (PP)

The article discusses current instructional grouping methods typically used in physical education, as well as potential legal ramifications. Physical educators must carefully choose grouping strategies for how well they protect students and enrich learning experiences, not for convenience. (CB)