Is wrestling an appropriate activity to teach at the elementary school level? Based on the information presented in this article and this author's experiences as both a physical education teacher and a wrestling coach, the answer is Yes! Wrestling as a physical education unit can be taught in a safe and age-appropriate way. If taught correctly at…

The purpose of this study was to use journal feedback from student teachers to understand and document how well the Physical Education-Teacher Education (PETE) program prepares teacher candidates in relation to the three primary goals of the PETE program. Analysis of the journals revealed areas of merit and concern for the PETE faculty. The most…

This checklist identifies the essential characteristics of a quality elementary physical education program and provides a measuring device to evaluate existing programs. It is composed of 96 items divided into the following categories: (1) the teacher; (2) staff development; (3) the instructional program; (4) program evaluation; (5) organization…

This booklet, one in a series titled "What Research Says to the Teacher," deals with physical education in the elementary schools. Two major sections detail a) the objectives of elementary physical education, and b) the feasibility of achieving those objectives. A selected research bibliography is included as are suggested topics for further…

The purpose of this monograph was to present evidence for determining whether school-aged children were progressing toward attainment of the national physical education standards. Developed by a team of experts, the standards describe what students should know and be able to accomplish as a result of quality physical education (National…

Elementary school physical education in the 1950s espoused the aims of complete education through programs which emphasized mastery of skills in games, sports, dance, and similar activities. Since the middle of the 1960s, movement education has gained in popularity as both a methodology and as a program focusing on learning through efficient…

This article explores the conceptual and operational distinctions between effectiveness and expertise. Interviews, observation, and review of related literature suggest: (1) effectiveness and experience are necessary but not sufficient for achieving expertise; (2) expertise is specific to subject matter and context; (3) expertise can be explained…

Dissemination and sustainability of evidence-based physical education programs (PE) has been studied rarely. The sustainability of a health-related PE program (SPARK) was independently evaluated in 111 elementary schools in 7 states. Surveys were mailed to schools that had received SPARK curriculum books, training, and follow-up (response rate =…

This study assessed the effect of peer tutoring on physical, instructional, and social interaction behaviors between elementary school age students with severe and multiple disabilities (SMD) and peers without disabilities. Additional measures addressed the activity time of students with SMD. The study was conducted in inclusive general physical…

Given the commitment (and funding) by the British government to promote physical activity among all ages, and despite the inevitable political manipulation of physical education (PE) and school sport, there is now an ideal opportunity to focus on primary schools as a key target group for the future. This study determined the physical activity…

The purpose of this guide is to provide school personnel with a format for curriculum design in elementary school physical education. The organization and administration of such a program are discussed in the first of three major sections. The second section covers characteristics and needs of children of differing abilities and how to plan a…

This booklet describes physical education equipment constructed at the site of Project HOPE (Health and Optimum Physical Education) in the Irwin County School System, Ocilla, Georgia, to provide rural schools a model for elementary physical education and health services. The booklet is divided into three sections: "What To Do with No…

Findings are reported from a study which investigated planning strategies employed by effective elementary physical education specialists. Written year-long, unit, and lesson plans were analyzed, and the degree of adherence to these plans was examined. Differences in planning strategies and adherence to written plans emerged among beginning,…

This article outlines the risks to teachers and principals when classroom teachers, who are not certified to teach physical education, are assigned to do so. Suggestions are made for reducing the risks of teachers and principals being charged with negligence. (IAH)

Physical educators can teach students basic geography by hanging maps in the gymnasium and using them for physical education activities. The article describes what teachers need to create wall-size maps, how to choose maps, and how to fund and implement map projects. Suggestions for various map projects are included. (SM)