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

 Issue: April 2005

School Health and Safety Standards for Dance Education and Dance in Physical Education
Barbara L. Michiels Hernandez & George Strickland

Abstract:
Incorporating school health and safety standards into dance education curriculum standards contributes to developmentally appropriate activities, lifetime competencies, a properly supervised learning experience, and the promotion of safe activities for students. Dance educators, physical educators teaching dance, and administrators are responsible for reducing risk, providing appropriate instruction, and ensuring a protected environment for students in dance education. Dance education is an academic discipline that enriches the growth and development of the total student, a physical performance art, and a lifetime sporting activity that requires mandated content and safety standards. The recommended safety standards fall into the following categories: (1) prepare and execute an appropriate class management plan; (2) plan and implement administration procedures; (3) provide the minimum requirements for safe dance facilities, equipment, and supplies; (4) promote adherence to legal and liability standards; and (5) initiate and enforce practices for preventing accidents and injuries. It is recommended that these school health and safety standards be adopted and combined with state and local dance education content standards for an appropriate, protected teaching environment.

Article category: Dance