NASPE/FlagHouse Grant Opportunity for STARS PIPEline at 2008 AAHPERD National Convention

The STARS project identifies and recognizes QUALITY PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS that provide meaningful learning opportunities for ALL students. STARS schools exemplify excellence in teaching knowledge and skills of motor development and health related fitness.

The STARS program provides opportunity for a school physical education program to demonstrate quality at two levels of achievement. The first level of STARS exemplifies the NASPE vision of high quality physical education. The second level is called SuperSTARS and application requires achievement of the STARS level with an average score of 2.5 or better.

National Health Crisis

The need for all students to have access to quality physical education programs and instruction has never before been greater. Several issues demand action on the part of teachers, schools and professional organizations to address the grave concerns affecting the health of the youth of our nation by addressing these serious health issues. Critical Indicators that point to the need to overhaul K-12 physical education and professional preparation programs include:

• The epidemic decline in physical activity
• The rise in obesity and serious diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle
• The physical activity guidelines that have been established by the Surgeon General
• The benefits of physical education as reported in the Report of the Surgeon General on Physical Activity and Health (1996)

Benefits for STARS schools

NASPE has established the STARS program awards to identify quality physical education programs and provide models for others to follow. The STARS criteria can be used as a self study for needs assessment and program improvement by all schools. The criteria also describe the evidence that must be collected to receive STARS recognition. Some of the many benefits of STARS recognition are:

• Improve quality of physical education program in your school
• Share valued components of your program with your school, community, and other schools
• Receive a final report with detailed findings of the study review and level of achievement
• Feedback provides a guide to curriculum review, revision and program improvement
• Experience individual professional growth and staff team building
• Receive recognition, awards and resources to support your program

Recognition and Awards for STARS schools

• National, State and Local Visibility:
1. AAHPERD national convention award presentation
2. Media/Press releases
3. Official award letters sent to school administration, and school and government officials
• School feature page on the NASPE STARS web site
• Awards:
1. School banner
2. Equipment voucher from official STARS equipment sponsor
3. Certificates for all teachers
4. Selected NASPE publications

Reach for STARS for your school

• Conduct a departmental self-study based on 31 criteria.
• Submit a portfolio of evidence to be reviewed by a team of nationally trained reviewers representing all levels of professional involvement – K-12 teacher, curriculum coordinator/director, and physical education teacher preparation professionals.