FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NASPE Offers Three New Position Statements for Physical Educators, Administrators, Parents & Policymakers

RESTON, VA, May 25, 2011 – The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) released three new position statements: physical education as an essential component to educating the whole child, a code of conduct for P-12 physical education teachers to follow, and the placement and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) near physical activity venues on school campus in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. According to NASPE President Dennis Docheff of the University of Central Missouri, "NASPE develops position statements about key topics and issues in physical education, physical activity and sport to help guide policy and practice."

In Physical Education is Critical to Educating the Whole Child, NASPE takes the stance that all students in grades K-12 should receive physical education on a daily basis and that physical education is critical in order to educate the whole child. NASPE supports the "whole child approach" from the ASCD, formerly known as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, which has as one of its five tenets that each child enters school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle.

With physical education considered an essential component of the "whole child approach," the newly released position paper also highlights the National Standards for Physical Education and characteristics of high quality physical education that must be in place in order to meet the national standards. Brent Heidorn of the University of West Georgia was the contributing author.

In Code of Conduct for P-12 Physical Education Teachers, NASPE takes the position that physical educators are responsible for achieving and maintaining both knowledge and integrity of practice as demonstrated through fair, honest and respectful behaviors toward students, colleagues, society, and the profession. NASPE identifies four core values: nurturing students' development, collaborating with others to expand physical activity opportunities for the entire school community, showing dedication to personal and professional growth, and exhibiting personal and professional integrity. Written by contributing authors Michele Hartzell, Savannah-Chatham County (GA) Public Schools; Martie Bell of High Point University (NC); Kim Duchane of Manchester College (IN); Jeff Steffen, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and John Strong of Niagara Community College (NY), physical education teachers should be expected to uphold this code of conduct.

Lastly, NASPE urges the placement and use of AEDs on school campuses in Availability and Access to Automated External Defibrillators in Schools during Participation in Physical Activity. The latest statistics show sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among young athletes and one in 25 to 50 high schools can expect a sudden cardiac arrest to take place on its campus each year. Written by contributing authors Renee Polubinsky, Western Illinois University, and Don Bales of Lowell (IN) High School, the position statement recommends placing defibrillators in schools and at all school-sanctioned athletic events/activities and venues, suggests each school's emergency action plan should include immediate access to and use of defibrillators.   

NASPE publishes position statements on key issues in physical education, physical activity, and sport available as resources for physical educators, administrators, parents and policymakers. They are developed by task forces and widely reviewed to develop a national consensus. Find a full version of each of the position statements on NASPE's web site.

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Contact:
Paula Kun
pkun@aahperd.org
703-476-3461

The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE’s 15,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, administrators, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare professionals in these areas. NASPE seeks to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high-quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs. It is the largest of the five national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). For more information, visit www.naspeinfo.org.

The vision of AAHPERD is "Healthy People – Physically Educated and Physically Active!" Headquartered in Reston, VA, 25 miles west of Washington, DC, AAHPERD is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, physical activity, dance, school health and sport--all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. Its mission is to advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance and sport by providing its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. For more information, visit www.aahperd.org.