Rating Schools for Physical Education
It is well known that school-based physical education programs have undergone significant decline across Canada in recent years. While groups such as the Canadian Medical Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation point to the public health risks of this trend and the need for physical education programs in our schools, the trend shows no immediate signs of changing. Parents who care about physical education may want to review their children’s school options in this regard and assess different school programs. The Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (www.cahperd.ca) created the following series of questions to help parents evaluate physical education programs at their child’s school:
-
Does the school provide children with at least 30 minutes of instruction in physical education each day?
-
Does the program include participation in school intramural activities and student leadership opportunities?
-
Are a wide variety of physical activities offered?
-
Does the program include a cardiovascular component with activities such as running, skipping, aerobic dance, or swimming?
-
Does the program encourage children of all body types and abilities to participate?
-
Does the program emphasize fun, socialization, and active living rather than just competition and traditional team sports?
-
Are the teachers qualified and trained in teaching physical education?
-
Does the school provide a safe learning environment for physical activity?
-
Does the school make use of other facilities in addition to a gymnasium such as a school skating rink or community pool? 1
-
Does your child look forward to physical education classes and intramural activities?
Grading – If all 10 answers are “yes”, the school has an excellent program. If there are 6 to 8 “yes” replies, then the program ranks as good. If there are less than 6 “yes” responses, this school’s program needs review and improvement.
Encourage the parent association at your child’s school to grade the physical education program. Then go to www.cahperd.ca to find resources which will encourage your school to hire a physical education specialist and provide quality daily physical education so your child has a healthy body as well as a healthy mind!