Evolution of Physical Education Curriculum: Historical Foundations and Contemporary Perspectives

1. Chapter 4 Basic Concepts of Physical Education

2. Education Throughthe Physical • 20th Century developmental model • Model consistent with Progressive Education Theory • Clark Hetherington known as “father of modern physical education” developed four objectives: • physical development • motor development • mental development • social development • Standards were developed around the four objectives for PE curriculum

3. Education Throughthe Physical, cont’d • Multi-activity Program approach • Wide variety of activities used to fulfill the promise of total development • Officially sanctioned in 1927 and became a “national curriculum” for PE • Units or blocks approach developed by La Porte, lasting several weeks • AAHPER (1971), modified Hetherington’s four objectives into five primary concepts which reflected goals of Physical Education to the public

4. NASPE’s Influence on Curriculum Standards • National Association for Sport and Physical Education (1990) developed a set of goals and standards for PE • The published outcomes became a consensus statement that defined a “physically educated person” • Established a content standard for PE programs in schools • Established teacher-friendly guidelines for assessment

5. Other ImportantCurriculum Influences • Movement Education a.k.a. Human Movement philosophy • Purpose • teach student to move effectively • become aware of meaning of movement as participant and observer • gain/apply knowledge that governs human movement

6. Other ImportantCurriculum Influences, cont’d • Health-related physical education (Fitness model) • Purpose • influence a physically active lifestyle that prevents hypokinetic diseases • Academic Integration Model (kinesiological studies blend) • Purpose • provide information and strategies for incorporating knowledge in all aspects of the classrooms

7. Other ImportantCurriculum Influences, cont’d • Social Development Model (Humanistic education) • Purpose • help young people better cope with a complex social world through a 5-level progression system (see pp.62-64) • Sport Education Model (Play education) • Purpose • playful competition through 5 different sport seasons

8. Other ImportantCurriculum Influences, cont’d • Adventure Education Approach (Adventure activities) • Purpose • education through outdoor and wilderness activities which involves some aspect of risk • Eclectic Curriculum (mixture of curriculum models) • Purpose • offer a large variety of activities to ensure a quality program

9. Physical Education for Students with Disabilities • Roots go back to the 1920’s when students stricken from 1915-17 polio epidemic entered public schools • Needed for rehabilitation purposes • Federal laws have created further growth (i.e., 1990 American with Disabilities Act) • PL 94-142 singled out Physical Education for disabled population • 3 types of programs • Adapted • Corrected • Developmental

10. State Requirements for Physical Education • No federal laws require Physical Education to be taught in schools • Each state has its own definition regarding PE mandate • Individual schools interpret each state’s mandate • State laws and guidelines are weak for Elementary levels compared to further grades

11. Significant Changes that Affect Physical Education Curriculum • Liability • Title IX