This guide is the result of the collaboration between the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets; Vermont Department of Education; and Vermont Department of Health, as required by Act 161 of the 2003 session of the Vermont Legislature. The goal in publishing these guidelines is to provide schools with the most recent information on best practices…

A progress report of a project undertaken by the Battle Creek Physical Education Curriculum Project Team, and supported by funds provided under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

In physical education, the emphasis on the performance component of teacher education programs has perpetuated the idea of preparing teachers whose competence is primarily in coaching team sports. A more balanced approach, with emphasis on all forms of physical activity and under the instruction of performing artists, is proposed. (JN)

Results from this study (1) suggest ways for teachers to make decisions regarding pieces of equipment a child should be encouraged to use in order to develop a greater awareness of spatial dimensions and (2) imply that equipment could be selected on the basis of its contribution to the education of the child. (MB)

Discusses laboratory results and other relevant material on possibly the most important period of decline in cardiorespiratory endurance and increase in obesity--the school-age years. (Author/RK)

Presents strategies that physical education teachers can use to encourage their students to lead physically active lives. The strategies include: focus on lifelong physical activity; use goal setting and self-assessment; inspire students by personal example; model skills (either a teacher or skilled student may do the modeling); and combine…

Explains the basic constructs of the transtheoretical model, which offers an explanation of the structure of change that occurs when adults attempt to change behavior. The paper discusses application of strategies that physical educators in postsecondary and community settings may employ to facilitate the adoption and maintenance of physical…

Most colleges and universities provide physical fitness classes plus courses teaching basic concepts of healthy living. Such courses empower students to learn physical fitness assessment, make wise lifetime physical fitness decisions, and design customized exercise programs. The paper examines types of cardiorespiratory fitness testing, explaining…

Study compared the exercise attitudes and habits of alumni from four colleges with varying physical education activity (PEA) requirements. Survey results indicated the type of PEA programs offered influenced alumni attitudes toward fitness and exercise behaviors. Students from colleges with higher PEA requirements had more positive exercise…

Describes a physical education fitness/wellness course that uses classroom lectures on wellness plus laboratory sessions where students strive to achieve physical fitness through one specific aerobic activity. An assessment evaluated 1,500 students' knowledge gained, attitudes toward the course, current lifestyle, and physical fitness changes. It…

Describes study results that help to explain why U.S. children are not as fit as many health and physical education professionals think they should be, and discusses whether aerobic activity is sufficient for physical fitness. (GLR)

Seven articles explore ways to meet the needs of elderly people around the world through sport, health, physical education, recreation, and dance. The articles address model service programs, senior athletes, International Elderhostel programs, and programs in the USSR, Great Britain, and Norway. (SM)

A study of five undergraduate physical education classes explored the influence on positive and negative affect of different types of physical activity. Results indicated that running, skiing, and challenge course activities, especially the 14-foot wall, increased positive affect more than other activities. Implications for physical education…

Examines an ecological approach for promoting physical activity in middle school, reviewing data collected in physical education classes, leisure settings, and structured extracurricular programs during the 4-year Middle School Physical Activity and Nutrition Project. The paper makes recommendations for improving physical activity in middle school…