In Alabama, Terry Foster, the principal of Grove Hill Elementary School, is proud of what his school is doing. Our school was recognized by our state department as being a demonstration center for physical education. We have a new gymnasium and three full-time PE teachers serving 550 students, as well as an aide. PE is just as important as other subjects, and it's seen by our staff as important. Yet, quality phys ed goes beyond curriculum and attitude.
Adequate facilities are essential.
The lack of facilities at many schools is alarming. In other schools, there's not enough equipment, like only one ball for the whole class. Or PE is for the elite only, whereas it should be about all children finding what they are good at. While there is no shortage of lamentable situations, there are some shining examples to be found. In Illinois, Phil Lawler, the physical education coordinator for the Naperville Unified School District, is one of the pioneers in this field.