This document is comprised of the six issues in volume 16 of the Harvard Education Letter, a bimonthly newsletter addressing current issues in elementary and secondary education. Articles in this volume include the following: (1) January-February--"Grade Inflation: What's Really behind All Those A's?" (Birk) and "Every Friday was Fight Day"…

Effective physical education of the children of the elementary schools will always be conditioned largely upon the regular classroom teachers. Obviously physical education must have a large place in the preparation of teachers if they are to play well their part in the conservation of the physical resources of childhood. It must be recognized that…

Discusses reasons childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and the numerous health problems that can result. Suggests parents incorporate physical activity into their family's lifestyle; advocate for daily outdoor recess at school; provide healthful meals; respect their child's appetite; not use food for comfort or as reward; and limit…

Observations and interviews with white high school physical educators and minority students examined perceptions of power and conflict. Both groups noted conflicts of interest related to the value of an educational focus for the class. Both parties attempted to use their resources and power to achieve their valued goals. (SM)

Describes a study that defined the principal techniques preservice teachers applied when completing specific microcomputer simulations. Analysis of simulation performance scores yielded three performance factors addressing techniques that defined teachers' misbehavior intervention, instructional delivery, and activity sequencing. Regression…

A series of nine articles discusses how to meet the leisure needs of diverse populations, focusing on pluralism and gang prevention, children and AIDS, socialization for the homeless, homosexual youth, the unemployed, recovering alcoholics, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. (SM)

Investigated the physical activity and fitness promoting behaviors of health, physical education, recreation, and dance professionals and preprofessionals. Survey data indicated that most respondents were physically active. Overall, overweight and obesity rates were considerably lower than rates reported in the general U.S. adult population. Role…

The world is becoming a global village and within many professions, including physical education and sport, individuals have multiple opportunities to work and socialize with people from different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, religions, etc. Due to the increasing cultural diversity, it is important for physical education and sport…

The promotion of a healthy lifestyle is the main goal of physical education in many countries. However, very little is known about the relationship between different lifestyles and physical activity patterns among young people. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lifestyle and physical activity among 12- and…

The PESSCLS strategy for physical education and youth sport in England has received an unprecedented level of funding from the Blair government during its term in office. In this article, it is proposed that there are structural problems with the delivery of physical education and school sport in England that the PESSCLS strategy and associated…

In their review of evidence-based research entitled "A Review of Research on Outdoor Learning," Rickinson "et al." (2004) identify five key constraints that limit the amount of outdoor learning. This paper explores whether green school grounds might be a location where these constraints could be minimised. Specifically, it…

This document consists of two brochures, the first explaining the Marfan Syndrome and a second providing guidelines for physical education and activity for people who have this syndrome are provided. The brochure on factual information about Marfan syndrome outlines the associated medical problems involving the cardiovascular system, the skeleton,…

The Edison Project, in concert with its public school partners, produces curriculum materials and standards for its six "academies," or educational levels. This book sets forth standards describing the knowledge and skills students will have in each curriculum area when they complete the Elementary Academy (for children in grades 3…

This paper demonstrates how supervisors can implement and model professional teaching practices for their preservice students that exemplify knowledge, skills, and attitudes critical to teachers in a culturally diverse society. It discusses the importance of understanding the supervisory process, how the supervisory process can be effectively…

As stipulated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990, instruction in physical education is a direct service that must be provided to children and youth with disabilities who are between the ages of 3 and 21 years. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between preservice physical education teacher attributes…