American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

Issue: April 2009

Preparing Physical Educators for the Role of Physical Activity Director
Aaron Beighle, Heather Erwin, Darla Castelli, & Michael Ernst            

Abstract: Schools are expected to lead in physical activity promotion for youths. Specifically, physical educators are being asked to take on the role of the school physical activity director (PAD) and implement a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP). Quality physical education, classroom-based physical activity, recess and other activity breaks, out-of-school programs, school-wide initiatives, and parent or community events to promote physical activity are all important elements of an effective CSPAP. Physical activity directors organize, promote, and provide positive opportunities for youths to engage in and enjoy physical activity. To prepare physical educators for the role of PAD, university-based physical education teacher education curricula need to be modified to include an introduction to CSPAP and its components, as well as authentic learning experiences that will facilitate implementation of the program. The purpose of this article is to provide potential assignment and learning experiences for future physical educators that will provide them with the needed skills to effectively implement a comprehensive physical activity program in K-12 schools.

Article category: Professional preparation