A Letter to Phil Lawler, From Tim McCord

A Letter to My Friend,

Phil Lawler, you would be proud.  I spent the weekend at our PSAHPERD Convention.  Phil always looked at conventions as an opportunity to network.  If you ever spent time with Phil at a convention you would know that it always took plenty of time to get from one end of the vendor hall to the other due to his networking with everyone.

During my time at our state convention I was so impressed with the passion shown not only by university students, but also by the veteran teachers that were in attendance.  I chatted with many physical educators who thanked me for the work we had done in Titusville and for our willingness to share with others the means by which we developed our PE program.  This never would have happened without Phil's influence.

Phil taught me the importance of developing a fitness based PE program.  I took the ideas he shared with me to our schools in Titusville.  During the initial integration of Phil's ideas we were met with much push back from many areas.  As I began to attempt to spread Phil's "gospel" I heard things like..."Naperville doesn't teach sport skills.  Naperville doesn't assess sport skills.  Naperville's program is nothing but bells and whistles."  It wasn't long before I began to hear the same things about the Titusville PE program.  I heard the naysayers locally, statewide and at the national level. 

Things have changed.  Physical educators everywhere are following your lead, Phil.  They are incorporating fitness, using small sided games and becoming advocates for their programs.  Exergaming is now an accepted part of physical education.  The brain science you espoused (thanks to Dr. Ratey) is being shared with administrators throughout our country.  Physical education is being taken outside the walls of the gymnasium and integrated into academic subject areas and the concepts of those subject areas are being brought into the gymnasium.  Brain breaks are becoming a common occurrence.   

There are programs throughout the country who are following your lead and now taking the lead in physical education.  You should see the work that your friend Paul Z. is doing in his retirement.  You should see the program George V. has developed in California.  You should see the work Dr. Ratey is doing to promote the brain science of PE throughout the world.  You should see the Action Based Learning Lab Jean B. has developed.  You should see the people who are still coming to Titusville for PE4life Academy Center training.   

We still have much work to do, Phil.  There are plenty of Mr. Woodcock's still rolling out the ball in our PE classes.  Childhood obesity is still on the rise.  Our federal and state governments are extolling the virtues of increased testing in our schools which is leading many administrators to drop physical education and the arts from school curriculums. 

You were a visionary Phil.  Your dream of quality physical education is coming true, one school, one program at a time.  Things are getting better.  You would be proud.

Tim McCord

P.S. Tim has just been awarded the 2012 Coach of the Year by the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (PSAHPERD). Read all about it and then join us in congratulating him!

Vital Step - Getting Administrator Buy-in

When you effectively demonstrate to administrators the benefits of quality physical education program, including evidence of improved academic performance, recruiting them as PE advocates becomes much easier. By showing how your vision can contribute to the overall school mission, you’ve begun to pave the way for implementation of your program. -- Excerpt from the PE4life Training Manual: Developing and Promoting Quality Physical Education

John Baker, physical education teacher at Hanawalt Elementary School in the Des Moines Public School District, is back to tell us how he engages his principal in his physical education class.

Tips for getting administrator support for your program:

Engage your administrator in conversation as often as possible.

Take time to educate your administrator on how quality physical education should look.

Show how your physical education program is important for the child’s health and ability to learn.

Have an open door policy with your administrators. Invite your them in to participate, not just during teacher evaluation time.

Mr. Baker’s Principal, Andrew Burg, describes his commitment to physical education as a viable part of their school.

Hanawalt Elementary has been selected as PE4life Model Site. If interested in visiting this school and learning more from Mr. Baker or Mr. Burg, consider putting a team together to attend a PE4life Implementation Workshop.

Here are some key resources for any administrator:

Book: SPARK – The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, by Dr. John Ratey
As a physical educator I have been looking for 30 years for a book like this to validate my profession. Dr. Ratey's book justifies everything done in a quality PE class. Best of all he explains the effects of exercise on the brain in an easy to understand manner. This book should become the bible for all physical educators. All PE teachers should purchase this book and give it to their administrators and school board members. -- Review from Tim McCord, Titusville Area School District, Titusville, PA

Purchase SPARK in the PE4life ProShop here.

Data supporting physical education:
Cooper Institute Study: Physically fit students more likely to do well in school; less likely to be disciplinary problems

More information from The Cooper Institute found here.

NASPE’s Superintendent and School Board Tool Kit

NASPE's Key Points of Quality PE

Overview of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Plan

Most importantly, your administrator should take note that a quality PE Program includes PE4life's Core Principles:

Offer a variety of fitness, sport, leisure, and adventure activities to all students

Implement a K-12 standards-based curriculum

Provide a safe and encouraging learning environment

Utilize individual assessments

Incorporate current technology

Extend PE beyond the walls of the gymnasium

Ideally, be offered to every child every day

Easy Steps for State-level Advocacy

There are a couple of important advocacy opportunities coming up that could have nationwide impact on physical education. PE, health and wellness, and sporting goods industry leaders will be going to Capitol Hill to educate Congress Members on the impact of quality PE and ask for their support.

SGMA’s National Health Through Fitness Day (NHTF Day) March 6-7th, 2012

NASPE’s Speak Out Day, March 28-29th, 2012

If you’re not able to participate in these events, there are ways you can get involved on a local level. NASPE is hosting a free “Advocacy 101” webinar on March 8th at 3:00pm. You can register for the webinar here. We’ve also got John Baker from Des Moines Public Schools, back with his simple strategies for reaching his state-level policy makers, and his message to them.




You can view Mr. Baker’s strategies for advocating to parents here.

Click on the following links to find contact information for your State Senators and Local Members of Congress.

To stay up to date on physical education / physical activity issues, bookmark AAHPERD Advocacy's Legislative Action Center.

Funding Opp that can Jumpstart your PE Program!

PE4life is excited to partner with the Churchill Family Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide a one-time partial scholarship to an Introductory Workshop at the PE4life Academy Training Center in Titusville, PA.

In 2006, a school from Tonganoxie, Kansas registered to attend a PE4life Academy Training in Titusville. They chose to attend Titusville because it was similar to their community in terms of size and school demographics. We were pleased to receive this update on their progress.

Hi Tim,

It’s been awhile since we have communicated and I thought it was about time we give you a P.E. update. Since we returned from visiting you in 2006, we have made great strides in unifying our physical education department. We presented to the board about our experience in Titusville and started envisioning what a future physical education program in Tonganoxie should look like. Tim, we are almost there!!!

We continued to discuss improvements and grant possibilities with our administrators. We were able to get help with a district-hired grant writer who had never even heard of the PEP grant. We gave her all kinds of information and we came up with a plan to collect data the following school year. Hopefully, you noticed that we were awarded the PEP grant in 2009. We named our PEP grant "Kansas Adventures" and focused on activities families could do in Kansas. Kids could learn about those activities then encourage their family to get involved. We concentrated on hiking, walking, and CPR/First Aid (high school) the first year, climbing and high adventure (high school) and bicycling the third year.

We now have a fitness room in each building, climbing walls in every gym with a high adventure course in the high school. We have added one full time P.E. teacher in each building giving us a total of 3 teachers per building which allowed us to add classes at the high school and help to address the overcrowded classes at the middle and elementary school. The third teacher at the elementary school has also been able to add a health curriculum for all students and is able to meet twice a month with each class for a standardized health lesson.

We have implemented Wel-Pro, a web-based tracking system for fitness tests so we can keep student information continuous through their years at Tonganoxie schools. We have written a guide for giving fitness tests in our district so that all of us use the same equipment in the same way and all of the testing can have accurate annual comparisons.

We are currently planning our bicycling strategy for year 3 and our district is hoping to pass a bond issue in April for a second elementary school. With administrator approval, there is a fitness room included in the plans as well as a gym that was enlarged to have 3 teaching spaces (3 cross-courts).

As I looked at the new building plans, I couldn't help but think it all started with a trip to Titusville, and the support of our administration believing in us. Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to see your program and know that you still continue to have an impact on our physical education program.

Together in physical education, sincerely,

Ursula Kissinger
Tonganoxie Elementary School
Tonganoxie, KS

Congratulations Tonganoxie School District! Keep up the great work!

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Churchill Family Fund PE4life Introductory Workshop Scholarship
Deadline to Apply: Friday, February 25, 2011
How to Apply: Fill out and submit this application following the directions on the form.

The Titusville Area School District (Titusville, PA) has been recognized as a PE4life Academy. PE4life Academies are exemplary physical education programs that open their doors to others in efforts to inspire and paint a picture of quality programming. If representatives from your school are interested in attending an Introductory Workshop at a PE4life Academy, contact Rachelle Gardner at rgardner@pe4life.org or 816-472-7345.

Learn more about PE4life Academies and our Support Services here.

Hazel Grove Elementary Invites KC Wolf to Speak to Students

Last week I had the opportunity to watch an assembly at Hazel Grove Elementary. Diana Moore, their fantastic PE teacher, worked in conjunction with the PTA to hold a fundraiser to raise money to bring the Kansas City Chief's mascot KC Wolf (aka Dan Meers) to the school.

When KC Wolf appeared, the kids went absolutely bananas! They couldn't get enough--he wiggled his hips and ran up and down the aisles interacting with the students. It quickly became apparent why Dan was perfectly qualified to talk to the students about the importance of exercise and healthy eating--this guy exudes HIGH energy (uh, not to mention the 40 lbs of fur he carries around). Even after he lost the wolf costume, Dan was still very entertaining. The kids were happy to sit and listen as he talked about Play 60, a program with the NFL that encourages children to get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day.

Hazel Grove Elementary School has approximately 500 students and is in an urban and a low socioeconomic setting. They attended a PE4life Introductory Workshop in the Spring of 2010 and are doing some pretty great things. Here Diana talks about the "walking club" she recently started:

"We started the walking club after the initial PE4life training. We wanted to jump start the kids' mornings by getting in a little exercise before they head to their classroom. Our PTA jumped on board and purchased bracelets for all the students who join the club. It is open for all the students and we walk every morning, outside weather permitting, or in the gym. We occasionally have parents and other teachers walking with us! One of the neat things is when parents tell me that their kids' behavior is better than before we had the walking club before school."

Have you ever brought in a mascot or other public figure to speak to your students?
Do you have a walking club?
Do you work closely with your PTA?

We love to heart stories of your successes (and challenges). Let us know what's going on in your school and maybe we'll put you on our blog!

If you're in the KC area and want KC Wolf to make an appearance at your school check him out here.

Students Moved to Move

by Carrie Gibson, PE4life Event Manager

I was fortunate to have attended a PE4life Introductory Workshop in Des Moines, IA earlier this week. This was my first chance to see all of the exciting things we’ve got going on in Iowa and meet with some of the schools who have been awarded an Adopt-A-School Challenge Scholarship. While there were many great take-aways from my visit, I have to address the most pressing… the song that is stuck in my head!

At Northview Middle School (Ankeny School District), one of the PE4life Model Sites, the very first thing I noticed was the music playing in the different PE classes. It was constant and it was invigorating! Anyone who was subjected to the music felt compelled to MOVE! Set to timed increments, the students knew that if the music was playing they should be moving. Once the music stopped, it was a transition period and time to move on to the next activity. I thought this was great as it allowed for the teacher to focus on the students individually, rather than constantly checking his watch.

While playing four on four field hockey, the teams that weren’t competing were on the sidelines doing arm curls with resistance bands – constant movement, maximizing class time for each student. And then it happened – The Cupid Shuffle blasted through the speakers. Regardless of where they were in the gym – kids (and teachers) began busting a move. Now I’m not sure if you’re familiar with this song. I wasn’t. But after a mad internet search, I’ve been introduced to this contagious line dance called The Cupid Shuffle, and am singing it over, and over, and over…

Now when I was in junior high, I’d say I was pretty normal. I was a bit awkward and a little unsure of myself as I was growing into my body – and I was definitely aware of and avoided most situations where I could make a fool of myself. What struck me about these students is that they felt free enough and compelled enough to dance and move around, without fear of criticism. The music literally moved them. They were being active at their own will and having fun doing it.

Not only was I inspired by what I saw, the school districts who attended the workshop left committed to adding music to their programs. So...

Do YOU play music during your class?

What kind of music gets the best response from your students?
Do YOU dance with your kids like the teachers at Northview Middle School?
What equipment and tools do you use for adding music to your classroom?

Check out The Cupid Shuffle:



Learn how to teach your students the Cupid Shuffle (it is super easy) and other line dances here at DanceJam.com.

Coach

Thanks to C.J. Cain, Physical Education Teacher at Panther Run Elementary School (Lake Worth, FL) for providing this opinion piece.

“Coach” - one who instructs or trains ; especially : one who instructs players in the fundamentals of a competitive sport and directs team strategy

“Teacher” - one that teaches; especially : one whose occupation is to instruct

I’ve wrestled with my thoughts on being called “Coach” Cain for years. Here in Florida Physical Education teachers are often called “Coach”. I believe that everyone is a teacher to someone. Maybe it’s our children, our neighbors, the students under our supervision; in one way or another we teach others through our actions. I certainly consider myself a teacher and not just a “Coach”.

I look at how Physical Education is widely viewed in schools. We’re widely seen and regarded as “coaches” as Webster defines the word “instructs players in the fundamentals of a competitive sport and directs team strategy”. This is old-school Physical Education. This is not how we should be defined and we should move away from the sports-model of PE.

By allowing ourselves to be called “coaches” are we in a way allowing ourselves to be seen as lesser than what we are? We already have the US Dept. of Education, and state/local school boards of education and school administrators not valuing Physical Education. Our profession as a whole does not have the perception in the public that we wish to or should have. It leads to the questions of “How do we change the way Physical Education teachers are viewed and valued in our country”? “What can we do?”

Many of us out there are doing great things. Many of us within our local schools, local districts, state/national level and in some cases internationally are being recognized for the things we are doing. How do we get more people to pay attention and to learn about these great PE programs that exist? To understand what we do and our importance in schools? How do we move all Physical Education teachers forward?

Many questions crossing my mind lately. I watched a great documentary film over the weekend and thought – wouldn’t it be powerful if there was a documentary film on how childhood obesity is impacting our children. A really personal documentary following children throughout their day, home and school. Feel that would help the public understand just how serious this epidemic is.

Would also be a great film looking at the failing of the American Physical Education system. Show the “roll out the ball” teacher vs. someone like a George Velarde and his amazing program in Sierra Vista, CA. This entire diatribe from me speaks to the need for us to have serious conversations about our roll within education and how we can improve what we do for this generation and future generations of children….

I’m now officially off my soap box. :)

Christopher J. Cain

Panther Run Elementary Physical Education

Lake Worth, FL

How Do You Keep Students Active During PE?

Obesity Rates Keep Rising, Troubling Health Officials - this article was published in The New York Times today. It reports, not surprisingly, that obesity rates continue to be on the rise.

One statement that did stand out in the article: "Children do not get enough exercise during the school day; Dr. Frieden noted that even in gym classes, students are active for only about a third of the time."

We know this is true in many circumstances, but we've also witnessed some awesome PE programs that we know keep students active for more than a third of the time. If you have one of these programs, what's your secret?

1. How do you keep your students' heart rates up during class? Small-sided games? Exergaming?

2. Do you collect data to prove your students are active for longer than a third of the time? If so, how? Heart Rate Monitors?

3. What advice can you give other physical educators to increase activity time in PE?

Leave your answers in the comments below!

Pressure to Perform Academically Results in PE Cuts in MN

Here's an excellent article on an issue that is very familiar to us all - pressure for students to perform academically resulting in less time and money for PE. Although this article is specific to Minnesota school districts, it's occurring all across the country.

Increased pressure to perform on academic tests is forcing state schools to cut physical education classes

WASHINGTON — After multiple layoffs, 30-year-old physical education teacher Ryan Weber has had a front-row seat in watching the decline of physical education in Minnesota schools.

Weber is out of work again as of Thursday after finishing a short-term stint in an Anoka summer program for special needs students

“Only 10 of the 25 people I graduated from college in physical education with are doing anything related to their degree because they can’t find jobs, kept getting cut and just can’t do it anymore,” Weber said.

Education providers are under increasing pressure to measure up on standardized tests, which means that many schools are trading school day hours for academics over physical education to ensure they will meet requirements to lock in funding.

It’s a trend that experts say threatens to undermine first lady Michelle Obama’s central initiative: a campaign aimed at improving the health of America’s youth, in part by expanding physical education and extracurricular activities.

As a result of repeated cuts in physical education across the state, teachers like Weber are looking for work while the waistlines of Minnesota students only get bigger.

“Over the last 10 years, schools have been under intense academic pressure to add more time in their school day for reading and math, and there is only so much time in the school day; time is finite,” said Charlie Kyte, executive director of Minnesota Association of School Administrators. “Physical education is what has been squeezed.”

Read the full story on the MinnPost website.

What's the first "bold action" Congress should take in solving the childhood obesity epidemic?

James S. Marks, senior vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, recently wrote a powerful article titled "We Need Bold Action on Childhood Obesity" in the Huffington Post. In the article, he highlights some statistics that have made headlines lately. You've probably heard or seen a few of them at some point, but seeing the facts presented together is astonishing:

• Adult obesity rates rose in 28 states over the past year and declined only in the District of Columbia.
• Nearly one-third of children are obese or overweight, placing them at higher risk for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and a host of other serious chronic illnesses.
• 84% of Americans believes the childhood obesity epidemic is a serious problem -- Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Tea Party supporters agree.
• 56% believe we should launch a comprehensive national program to prevent childhood obesity, even if we have to invest billions of dollars now to prevent hundreds of billions in costs later.

As physical educators or advocates of quality physical education, you guys are the ones that see first-hand the toll childhood obesity is having on our children. So, we want your input on a few questions:

1. If the study is right and 85% of Americans believe childhood obesity is a serious problem, then what can we do, as individuals, to help solve this crisis?

2. Marks suggests strengthening the National School Lunch Program as the first "bold step" Congress should take in combating the childhood obesity epidemic. What do you recommend as the first "bold step?"

Opinion Piece: The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition

Our Physical Education friends have a lot of different opinions and while we may or may not agree with all of them, we definitely value their input and want them to keep on talkin’!

Check out what C.J. Cain, Physical Educator from Panther Run Elementary in Lake Worth, FL has to say about the new committee for the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Read the blog and let us know what you think in the comments below.

***Please note that the views stated are not necessarily a reflection of PE4life's beliefs, but rather an opportunity to open the doors to discussion.***

Author: C.J. Cain

Yesterday the First Lady launched the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Read the official press release here.

Looking at the council members it appears not one person has experience as a Physical Educator. This disappoints me. This looks more like a PR gimmick than an actual agent of change.

Why not seek out the best of the best from the world of Physical Education for their insight? Why not include like Dr. Ratey and Dr. Medina who have studied the effects of exercise on the brain for their insight? Why not include Dr. David Katz for his insight into child nutrition?

Nothing personal, but I'd rather lean on the knowledge and minds of people like Dr. Robert Pangrazi and the other great Physical Educators of our time on matters concerning Physical Activity, Sports, and Fitness than Carl Edwards who drives a race car for a living. While I respect the accomplishments of the individuals appointed to this Council it is my opinion that they are not the right people for this very important job.

We wouldn't ask Homer Simpson for advice after a power plant accident. Why are we not including Physical Educators on these councils? Why is Physical Education and the importance of the Physical Educator not being promoted more through the "Let's Move" initiative?

We need to stop pretending that having a bunch of professional athletes lending their name to support obesity initiatives is going to make more of difference than the people who come in contact children everyday - parents, teachers (especially) Physical Educators), and the members of their community. That's where it starts. That's where it happens. That's where the support needs to be. That's who we need to be listening to.

With that being said, I would be remised if I didn't commend Annika Sorenstam for her commitment to fighting childhood obesity. I have tremendous respect for Annika. She's donating her time and money to passionately fight childhood obesity. Her example is one professional athletes should follow. Annika is not simply lending her name to PR council's like Obama announced yesterday. She is out making a difference and is to be commended for all that she does for children and families.

In closing, it's my opinion that a Physical Education summit is needed. It's time for the leaders from within Physical Education to come together to discuss Physical Education as it is today & put an actionable plan together to move Physical Education forward. Government once again has made it clear that it values Public Relations more than solutions as it relates to fighting Childhood Obesity. I'm certain if you asked the athletes appointed to this council that many of them would thank a Physical Educator for helping them along the way.

I encourage every Physical Educator to write a letter to Shellie Pfohl, the Executive Director of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition and protest the failure to include a Physical Educator on the newly formed President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.

President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition:
Attn: Shellie Pfohl
1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 560
Rockville, MD 20852
240-276-9567
240-276-9860 Fax

Also send a copy of your letter to the President & First Lady:
The White House
Attn: President Barack & First Lady Michelle Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

C.J. Cain
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PEP Grant Success Story: Tonganoxie (KS) School District

We love success stories! Here is one from a PE4life trained school:

Tonganoxie (KS) School District to receive second year of PEP grant.

The Tonganoxie School District will be installing climbing walls at all of its schools thanks to PEP grant funding.

Tonya Phillips, Physical Education teacher, reported that an additional climbing wall would be installed in the coming weeks at Tonganoxie Elementary School, as well as walls at the middle school and high school. The district qualified for the first year of the Carol M. White PEP Grant for the 2009-10 school year. Phillips said the district learned earlier this year that progress toward goals was achieved in the first year of the grant, which qualified the district for grant money in 2010-11 as well.

The district was awarded $290,730 in the first year. Highlights of the first year were each building having a fully equipped fitness room, increased staff, increased class offerings, updated curriculum and equipment and appropriate/applicable professional development. The district also made marked improvement toward all goals and objectives.

Plans for the second year of the grant in which the district will receive $216,227 call for a challenge course at Tonganoxie High School, HOPSports at the middle school, sports walls at the elementary school and all physical education teachers being certified instructors in CPR, first aid and AED, as well as climbing and ropes courses. HOPSports is an interactive training system.

“We are very fortunate to have this grant,” superintendent Kyle Hayden said. “It’s one of the most state-of-the-art programs in Kansas and probably a four-state area. It’s allowing us to do things we had never thought we could imagine.”

Representatives from the Tonganoxie School District have attended a workshop at a PE4life Academy Training Center, as well as attended the PE4life Resource Conference.

To learn more about the Carol M. PEP Grant and how you can apply, go here.

Will You Lead the Charge?

This post was originally listed on PElinks4U

HONORING A VISIONARY AND REFOCUSING OUR EFFORTS
Visionary Phil Lawler
by: Jon Poole

Jon Poole is a Professor in the Department of Exercise, Sport and Health Education at Radford University.

Earlier this spring we learned that Phil Lawler passed away at the too young age of sixty. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lawler in person, it feels like I have seen his face a million times and read stories about his program for many years. In an assignment I give every year to my sophomore-level “intro” course, I have my physical education teacher education (PETE) students research “New PE" and, inevitably, a large majority of my students come back with stories about Madison Junior High in Naperville, IL. (See, for example, The New PE Curriculum: An Innovative Approach to Teaching Physical Fitness, 'New P.E.' Teacher Takes Students to the Max, New PE Trend Stresses Fitness and Fun).

After my initial reading of Harvard psychiatrist, Dr. John Ratey’s Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, a couple of years ago, I came to the conclusion that Phil Lawler was a maverick, an activist, and ultimately a visionary for bringing “new PE” from the sound bites shared on pages of newspapers, magazines, and morning TV shows and into documented reports of actual K-12 gymnasia and classrooms.

While we still need long-term studies to determine if those Naperville students continue in their path toward leading a physically active and healthy lifestyle, I am convinced he showed many of us a way to successfully position PE into the mainstream of traditional schools. It might not have been “the only way,” as I do believe there are many other forward thinking teachers out there trying to revolutionize the way children experience PE, and they do not rigorously follow the model Coach Lawler proposed. But it was “a” way. Clearly he was successful with his efforts in Naperville as he became the face of PE4Life (www.pe4life.org/) for many years later. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read a tribute for him.

Phil Lawler focused on those students, the non-athletic kids, who so often are ignored in traditional PE classes. He saw first-hand that an over-reliance on male dominated team sports (such as basketball, football, and soccer) relegates the non-assertive, low-skilled, and less fit children to the sidelines as the athletic kids dominate game play. That is not to suggest we never play those games, of course, only that middle and high school PE should offer much more than that. His focus on fitness, wellness, and the fun of physical activity was the message the nation needed.

More recently First Lady Michelle Obama decided childhood obesity and the role of physical activity in the health of children would be her priority during her time in the White House. I am not sure if Phil Lawler ever met Michelle Obama (though both came from Illinois), but my guess is he would have been one of her biggest supporters on this initiative.

When visionaries such as Phil Lawler pass away, an obvious question arises…who will lead the charge now? Candidly, I see that as a challenge to PETE programs nationally. Personally, I need to ask myself if I am preparing the next generation of K-12 physical educators in such a way that Phil Lawler would be proud of their programs. Perhaps it is time to refocus our efforts on PETE programs and require a bit more than we have in recent years.

Refocusing Our Efforts in Teacher Preparation

Our respected pelinks4u leader, Dr. Steve Jefferies, made mention in a recent pelinks4u editorial, “A relatively new trend that has been emerging, primarily in response to obesity concerns, is the creation of a school climate that embraces healthy living and physical activity as integral to the school day. Because most K-12 public schools have a physical educator on staff, these individuals are uniquely positioned to provide leadership for such programs.” Then, more importantly for this discussion, Dr. Jefferies added, “However, to do so will take a change in the expectations that schools currently have for physical educators and the way we prepare them.”

In his paper describing the role of education in the National Physical Activity Plan, Dr. Daryl Siedentop shared that a refocused PETE program must prepare entry-level teachers to implement healthy lifestyles. PE programs should include the skills needed to develop staff fitness programs, working with community leaders to deliver after-school activity programs, and collaborate with classroom teachers to enhance school-based physical activity, among others.

This comprehensive approach to school physical activity is supported by our national association and the focus of a new book from Human Kinetics. The book states to “offer K-12 teachers and administrators the tools to plan and administer programs that go beyond PE class. These activities are integrated in the classroom, on playgrounds, in before-and after-school programs, in intramural programs, and in community programs.”

Similarly, Dr. Chuck Corbin and Tom McKenzie recommended, “Teacher preparation programs should restructure their curricula to include disciplinary classes that directly relate to what future teachers will actually teach, including information relevant to physical activity promotion and health-behavior change” (p. 49). The authors argue physical education teachers must teach their K-12 students behavioral self-management skills such as planning, goal setting identifying places to be active, soliciting social support, and self-reinforcement, among others. In addition, future teachers need experience with collaboration amongst parents, other teachers, school administration, and community leaders.

So now I have my summer homework: To honor a visionary and refocus the efforts of my teacher preparation program to prepare the next generation of teachers. It seems a bit daunting, I won’t lie to you, but I can’t wait to see what happens.

Works Cited

Corbin, C. & McKenzie, T. (2008). Physical activity promotion: A responsibility for both K-12 physical education and kinesiology. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 79(6), 47-56.
Delisio, E. (2001). New PE trend stresses fitness and fun. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr346.shtml.
Furger, R. (2001). The new PE curriculum: An innovative approach to teaching physical fitness. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from www.edutopia.org/new-p-e-curriculum.
Jeffries, S. (2010). Reflections on the past, visions of our professional future. pelinks4u.org, 12(4).
Johnson, K. (2003). New PE teacher takes students to the max every activity stresses cardiovascular fitness. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from www.drwoolard.com/peinnews/new_pe_teacher.htm.
Ratey, J. (2008). Spark: The revolutionary new success of exercise and the brain. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.
Siedentop, D. (2009). National plan for physical activity: Education sector. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 6 (Supplement 2), S168-S180.

Time for a shout out!

We’re fortunate enough to have a number of ROCK STAR physical education professionals on the PE4life team. Combined, they have well over a century of PE experience. Their programs have been recognized in media outlets, big and small. Their programs are innovative, fitness-based and let’s not forget – FUN! We’ll just say it; our Academy Directors are pretty stinkin’ cool. We think it’s time we introduce them to you, one by one, starting with PE4life Academy Training Center at Grundy Center’s very own, Rick Schupbach.

If you geek out on PE the way us PE4lifers do, you’ve probably seen Grundy Center in the news lately. It hosted the 2010 Global Forum for Physical Education Pedagogy, where the Executive Director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports said about Grundy’s PE program, "this is what every physical education class should be like and look like.” So, what makes Grundy Center’s PE program “perhaps the best in the world” as the article states?  Well there are a number of things, but we’ll only mention three here (for all of them, check out our Core Principles).

First, support from your administration and community is critical. We have to give another huge shout out to Grundy Center School District's Superintendent, John Stevens. John has been a driving force in Grundy Center's program development. Cass Murra, will be taking over as Superintendent next year. She, too, is extremely supportive of the PE program and will play a crucial role in its future.   

Secondly, the use of technology tools to assess students’ fitness levels and progress made. Rick’s program is top of the line in terms of technology and its use of heart rate monitors and assessment equipment.  Partnering with Polar and the University of Northern Iowa, Grundy Center Community Schools is home to the Polar Scholars Graduate Program – students from UNI who come to learn the best practices and methods of incorporating technology into physical education.  

Rick recently said this about the use of technology in PE. "We are a gadget society. We have to tap into a new way of doing business. The medical field does not perform the way it used to. Teachers in other areas are not teaching the way they used to. It is up to us to use technology to bring science into exercise. We can't afford to be guessing on student activity any longer."  (Check out Rick’s 12 Questions for Assessing a PE Program handout from a presentation at a past PE4life Resource Conference presentation for more on assessment.) This leads us to the last criteria – one heck of a PE teacher.
 

We would have liked to interview Rick on his innermost feelings about his passion for PE, but Rick is a very busy man this week (you know, determining the future of PE with the head of the President’s Council and all. Hey, it ain’t easy bein’ that good!). So, we’ll tell you what we know about Rick Schupbach.
 

Rick has twenty-six years of teaching experience in Iowa, 21 years in Grundy Center as an elementary Physical Education instructor. In 1993 he was honored as the Iowa Elementary PE teacher of the year. During his tenure at Grundy Center he has presented at numerous conferences and workshops in the Midwest and nationally. These presentations are highlighted by his featured lesson at National PE Day in Washington D.C., and his presentations at the National PE conference in 2005 and 2007. In 2003 Rick’s program at Grundy Center Elementary School was recognized as the 1st Elementary PE4life Academy Training Center in the nation.
 

Rick pushes for change in the physical education world. He recognizes the need for open-mindedness and innovation and has said this during a presentation “if we continue doing what we have done in the past we will continue to get what we have gotten in the past, to the point of being eliminated from the educational landscape.”

Rick doesn’t just talk the talk. Several years ago, Rick was training for a marathon when he was diagnosed with cancer.  His oncologist said that living his profession literally saved his life.  If he wasn’t in such good physical condition going into his cancer treatments, the result may not have been so good.
 

What more can we say? We're so grateful to have you on board the PE4life train! Congratulations on your program's well-deserved success, Rick! 

Last year, Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, toured Grundy Center Elementary School to witness their stellar program in action.

Read about the PE4life Academy Training Center at Grundy Center in the news:
PE plans for the future

SMALL-TOWN SOLUTION: Delegates from 29 countries find inspiration in Grundy Center The school district's P.E. program is among the best in the world.

Fitness council's Pfohl wants to reshape physical education in schools

Leader of President’s Council on Physical Fitness to visit Grundy Center

Grundy Center forum will shape future of PE

Phil Lawler: A Legend and a Friend

February 18, 1950 – April 23, 2010

“It’s about enabling each student to maintain a physically-active lifestyle forever. It means emphasizing fitness and wellbeing, not athleticism. It eliminates practices that humiliate students. And it assesses students on their progress in reaching personal physical activity and fitness goals. A [quality] program exposes kids to the fun and long-term benefits of movement – it’s really that simple.”  -- Phil Lawler

Phil Lawler is and will forever remain a legend in the Physical Education world. Recognized as the leader and voice in the quest for quality Physical Education, Phil believed that every child regardless of athletic ability should be given a chance to find an activity that they can embrace and enjoy for a lifetime.  His vision was the catalyst for the creation of PE4life. His passion was unmatched.  To live a life as Phil did–so devoted to the cause you whole-heartedly believe in–is admirable.

After building his innovative Physical Education program at Madison Jr. High in Naperville, IL, Phil went on to train hundreds of Physical Educators and school officials from across the US and from ten countries worldwide.  Phil’s passion and vision has been shared with countless number of Physical Educators, creating accountability and respect for the profession, changing the way it had been perceived for so long.  His favorite quip, saying he is known as the Rodney Dangerfield of PE “I get no respect.”  Creating a loyal following, Phil’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.

PE4life founder, Jim Baugh, recalls being inspired by Phil so many years ago. “When I was President of Wilson Sporting Goods and had the vision for PE4life, I did some research into the ‘state of PE’. Thank goodness I worked in the Chicago area and there was a man and school district where Phil Lawler worked. I spent hours with Phil learning about the “New PE” he envisioned. We quickly hit it off. I knew he knew where PE4life should be focused. Phil was a pioneer, leader, and fighter. He not only had a philosophy and approach, he lived it every day. Phil helped me shape PE4life and also re-shaped PE forever. In many ways, he re-shaped America. He will never be forgotten.”

Phil’s vision went beyond teaching methods and was highly sought after from those in the Fitness, Medical, Research and Sporting Equipment Industries.  Phil was often a consultant to numerous equipment companies in development of cutting-edge products that could be used in PE class.  Phil believed that we should embrace video games and today’s technology rather than blame them for sedentary lifestyles.  Additionally, he helped lead the movement of Learning Readiness PE (LRPE) using exercise to help the learning process.  Working closely with Dr. John Ratey, Harvard Brain Researcher, Phil’s work was highlighted in the book SPARK: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.

Phil advocated for quality physical education on Capitol Hill numerous times, including helping to write the Carol M. White Physical Education for Progress (PEP) Grant, which has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for schools, and presenting in front of a House Sub-Committee in 2007.  Phil was featured on the Academy Award nominated documentary “Super Size Me” and in numerous media outlets including USA Today, the Washington Post, the Today Show, Good Morning America and others.

In addition to his work in Physical Education, Phil was an accomplished and renowned baseball coach at Naperville Central High School.  His many honors include winning the 2006 Illinois State Championship, was the first assistant high school baseball coach inducted into the Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame, and most recently had his number (29) retired at Naperville Central’s Varsity Field.

More than just a catalyst for change in the Physical Education world and an inspiration for how to live a fulfilled life, Phil was a friend. We’ll forever be indebted to him for the impact he had on our country’s children and forever grateful for the unwavering friendship he has shown us over the years.

 You will be missed, Phil.

-------------------------------------

Visitation for Philip Lawler will be on Thursday, April 29, 2010 from 3:00pm – 8:00pm (Rosary at 7:00pm) at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 2220 Lisson Road, Naperville, IL 60565. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 10:00am at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Naperville, IL.  Interment will follow at Naperville Cemetery, Naperville, IL.

Memorial contributions will be directed to a very special project as defined by Phil and the Lawler family.  Contributions can be made to the “Phil Lawler Fund” and send to: PE4life, 127 West 10th Street, Suite 101, Kansas City, MO 64105.

Contact:
Carrie Gibson, PE4life
127 West 10th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
816-472-7345
cgibson@pe4life.org

Want to be inspired?

Found myself digging through the PE4life archives, looking at old articles and testimonials that have been written over the years. Each time I do this, I am reminded why I work for PE4life. I have been with the organization for six years now. I'm not a physical educator. I don't have a health background. But what continues to drive and motivate me to contribute is that I work with the most amazing physical education professionals who are so passionate and truly make a difference in this crazy world we live.

Phil Lawler is the driving force - the leader - the person who inspires us here at PE4life and educators across the world to look at how we can change the culture of health and wellness through physical education. I came across Phil's testimony before a US House Subcommittee in 2007 – and while I’ve heard these things over and over – Phil breaks it down so simply. So clearly. With such vision.

Here are some of my favorites:

"Let me give you a quick example of when I saw the light. Our department had acquired a single heart rate monitor. I hadn’t used it but one day I took it out and put it on a girl I didn’t believe was working very hard in class. In the old days of PE assessment, we said, “let’s run a mile, and if you can’t run a mile under eight minutes, you’re a failure.” How many people in this country were turned off to exercise by those standards? I put the heart rate monitor on a young lady who didn’t have asthma and wasn’t overweight. So, based on her 13.5-minute mile, I deemed her a failure. But when I downloaded her heart rate monitor, her average heart rate was 187. By just using my observation as a physical education instructor she wasn’t doing anything, she wasn’t expending any effort. But in reality, the heart rate monitor told me she was working too hard."

“It’s about enabling each student to maintain a physically-active lifestyle forever. It means emphasizing fitness and wellbeing, not athleticism. It eliminates practices that humiliate students. And it assesses students on their progress in reaching personal physical activity and fitness goals. A [quality] program exposes kids to the fun and long-term benefits of movement – it’s really that simple.”

"I think former surgeon general, Dr. Richard Carmona, summarized the situation the best when he said, “As we look to the future and where childhood obesity will be in 20 years… it is every bit as threatening to us as is the terrorist threat we face today. It is the threat from within.” Physical Education can be a key part of the solution to that threat, maybe the most important part of the solution."


This being said – I’ve got to get back to work. So much is still to be done!

Carrie Gibson

To read Phil's full testimonial go here.