Questions on the information on PE Concerns
PE Concerns Questions
Why is it states are constantly looking at PE as something to cut? Epically with the ever growing epidemic of obesity among kids?
Something that came up in a class I was taking last term was grading, and it was brought up in this section of the class, is how do you look at fair grading? Do you expect all students to hit the same standards when it might not be possible for students to hit those standards?
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Comments
I think that PE programs are first to get finding cuts because they are considered "show up to pass" courses. I agree that they need to fund the programs more because of the obesity factor hurting the youth of America right now.
As far as grading goes, everyone should be held to the same standard...BUT, the question is, "What is that standard?" I think that as long as someone is obviously not concerned about the class and is not trying to understand the concepts and skills presented they should not receive a passing grade. If they participate in the class and make a valid attempt at understanding what is going on they should pass. I think that too much emphasis is placed on skills being executed well. Teachers should understand that not everyone is going to be able to execute the skills of every sport they introduce in class.
Now, I think standards should be set relatively high. Of course you will have your minimum criteria to achieve, but the bar needs to be raised for today's youth. If they can't bring themselves to the minimum levels needed, how can we expect them to change their attitudes toward fitness? The trend of obesity will only keep entering young and younger age groups unless we as Americans step forward and say, "That's enough!"
Finding the correct standard is difficult. But teaching almost 9 years in all sciences and health (high school) I can assure you that we are suppose to hold our science students to the same standars (taking into account their accomidations). Not having taught PE before, I don't know if this is similar or not?
Well, yes, I can understand that you are supposed to hold all students to the same stadard...because we have to be "fair" to everyone. But, how do you hold those students who struggle to learn the information - do all the required work, come in and ask you questions about the work - to the same standards as Johnny, who can still regurgitate everything he hears 6 months after he hears it, and never has to study? Should there be a "handicap" in learning? I think this is the major thing we need to decide. Yes, I agree that there should be minimum standards to be able to pass a class, but how do we come up with the standard?
Brandon is right about the reason for cutting PE: put even more bluntly, most of the PE teachers are horrible teachers (albeit great coaches in many cases) so that is why programs are not supported. Regarding standards, Oregon does have standards for PE that are statewide and can be found at http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/real/st... . Many other states have similar standards.