The Fargo public schools system begins tracking elementary school cohorts as early the 3rd grade in relation to involvement in cocurricular activities. There appears to be a correlation between behavioral incidents and gpa and participation in cocurricular activities. That strikes me as a valuable measurement. Qualitative research has it's advocates also, I might add.
Additionally, your original post seemed a bit caustic and perhaps showed evidence of bias in some regard. I am more than willing to engage in professional and respectful discussion designed to create broader perspectives but not interested in argument. My apologies if I have misread, as can often happen in written communication.
I am a Phy Ed teacher by degree. North Dakota requires the same teachers certs for PE teachers as any other teacher. Coaches are a different story but it helps to have a cert for this too.
The only measurements that I remember were ones like the Presidential Fitness Awards. But it's not about measuring success when it comes to PE and sports. You and I both know this country is one of the worst in the world when it comes to obesity. So these are very necessary classes. There have been far more cuts in the PE and Music & Arts classes than any other area in education.
From what I understand about openings in English and the such, they've had a difficult time filling those positions due to lack of interest. Someone correct me if I'm wrong there.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
Kingfish.. how will you measure this success and quantify it, its not like 'test scores".... dedication , commitment and pride start at the top and can only be successfull when administered effectively. Is there a national certification for coaches and PE teachers within the state of NOrth Dakota, or could i just drop a resume off and baffle and bambuzzel (is it two Z's or one?) my way into a position.
I am afraid there is very little that is "elite" about our delivery of cocurricular activities. NO offense to anyone involved but an enhanced PE curriculum that would dovetail with increased instruction and increased success in athletic endeavors is hard to see as a bad thing. The best opportunities to support the "Character Counts" movement occur between 4 and 6 pm in most schools all over the country. After all, dedication, commitment, pride etc are all comon educational ooutcomes of cocurricular activities, whether it be Baseball or Debate. I am going to have to carry this discussion over to the the support for coyote athletics thread at some time, but it is a long discussion and there is so little time. I guess I am essentially saying that all endeavors of the schools are equally important because all school endeavors are filled with learning opportunities for kids. So support them all equally and enthusiastically.
No, I don't think the teacher will do health classes.. seems the emphasis for his wages will be to make the high school jocks in football, basketball and wrestling , faster, stronger and more competitive during the 3 periods of work.
As an NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), since 1992, and as a former Strength Coach as Williston State College; and as a Personal Trainer, and as a martial arts instructor and Coach, I have a little different spin on that....simply put, let's suppose you take advanced math, chemistry, physics, biology, rocket scientistry, neurosurgery, analytical astronomy, psychiatry, etc etc, and get to be the most famous guy in the world doing great works to enhance the world and reduce the greenhouse effect, and global warming.....
and then you die at 35 because of your lack of cardiovascular and overall physical health...then what? Gonna talk about all your good works with St. Peter....or in the other place with the guy with a tail? What a waste....
It's all perspective...you absolutely need to address and balance mental, physical, and social health, or you have a recipe for trouble down the road because it is all so interconnected....
The days of seeing PE teachers as like the guy in Porky's is way gone...
I think a PE Teacher trained in new methodologies is a very good step in the right direction.
Aside from that, after watching coyote sports for a looonng time, I see no problem with a strength coach for the sports teams, even if you have to pay him or her. The good Lord and everyone else knows we need something more than what we got, and it is not a lack of talent.
No, I don't think the teacher will do health classes.. seems the emphasis for his wages will be to make the high school jocks in football, basketball and wrestling , faster, stronger and more competitive during the 3 periods of work.
Maybe the new superintendent can explain why the high school would hire a PE teacher when the school doesn't hire back math teachers, or teachers to cover the english electives or science classes..
A PE Teacher to enchance the weight room for the elite football, basketball and wrestling players makes no sense. That; at the expense of teachers to instruct on the essential core courses where the school is measured..
I would think an advanced math class would have a bigger impact on the students than someone to make the athletes bigger and stronger.
I wasn't aware that the athletic program was in such dire straights that an additonal PE teacher needed to be hired. Maybe the Teacher is a certified personnel trainer or something ? hmmmmm something smells fishy there ..
Hopefully a significant search can be done and we can find someone with a good mind for curriculium development. Perhaps someone with a bit of experience as well. Change is challenging on the prairie and if change is truly needed, then some skill in that area will be necessary as well. Best of luck to the Board as they begin the work on this project and perhaps more importantly good luck to the students in the community as this individual may have tremendous impact on thier lives.
Oh, I for one didn't know they hired a new PE teacher. Maybe this new teacher will do health classes.
