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

Issue: November/December 2012

Making PALS Through Partnerships: A Collaboration to Promote Physically Active Lafayette Students
Michael A. Hemphill, K. Andrew Richards, Bonnie T. Blankenship, Stephanie Beck, & Diane Keith 

Abstract: In 2007, the physical education program at Sunnyside Middle School in Lafayette, Indiana, was in constant flux. Teacher turnover occurred annually, facilities were subpar, the curriculum was outdated, opportunities for professional development were rare, and most importantly, students lacked maximum movement opportunities in physical education. In 2008 the Lafayette School Corporation partnered with Purdue University's Department of Kinesiology. Together they applied for a three-year federal grant with the goals of maximizing activity levels in the physical education program, increasing physical activity levels within the school, and providing ongoing mentorship and professional development for teachers and administrators. This article describes the process of reform and the benefits of the "Physically Active Lafayette Students" partnership.