The teacher plays the central role in the success of a physical education program and priority must be given to employing qualified elementary, middle, and secondary school physical education teachers to maximize student learning and achievement. Quality physical education is both developmentally and instructionally appropriate for the specific children being served. Instructionally appropriate physical education incorporates the best known practices, derived from research and experiences in teaching children, into a program that maximizes opportunities for learning and success for all. Students should also use technology in today s physical education classes to explore fitness and motor skill concepts in ways that personalize the curriculum more than ever before. Heart rate monitors, video and digital photography, computer software, and equipment to measure body composition are a few of the tools made possible by technology.
Teacher preparation is critical to successful school physical education programs.
The National Physical Education Standards provide a framework for structuring programs that will develop physically educated children to help the nation to reach its health goals for children and adults. American Heart Association. Strategic plan for promoting physical activity. U.S. Government Printing Office. Program guidelines and appraisal checklist for physical education, middle school.