Professional Development in Physical Education for Every Teacher (at $1000 per)From the December 17 issue of K-12Leads and Youth Service Markets Report.
Announcement: Grants in Physical Education Expansion K-8 (in service training for teachers) Due January 15 (Dec 13) Oregon Department of Education
The Physical Education Expansion K-8 (PEEK-8) grant was established by the 2007 Oregon Legislature through the passage of HB 3141. It is designed to support activities related to meeting the physical education instructional requirements for students in kindergarten through grade 8.... School districts and public charter schools have flexibility within the grant guidelines for determining specific evidence-based professional development that will lead to meeting the physical education requirement for the instruction of students in kindergarten through grade 8....
PEEK-8 Grant funds may be used to provide in-service training to elementary classroom teachers, not specifically endorsed in physical education on quality instruction of physical education, the academic content standards for physical education... using evidence-based programs (emphasis added)....
Each school may apply for up to $1,000 per classroom teacher and one principal or assistant principal per school for physical education professional development not to exceed $30,000 per school....
Professional development includes activities that:
1. Improve and increase teacher knowledge of teaching physical education
2. Are an integral part of broad school-wide and district-wide educational improvement plans
3. Give teachers the knowledge and skills needed to provide students the opportunity to meet the Oregon physical education academic content standards and minimum number of minutes physical education per week each school year
4. Improve classroom management skills
5. Are high quality, sustained, intensive, and physical education-focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on instruction and the teacher’s performance in the classroom
6. Are not 1-day or short-term workshops or conferences
7. Advance teacher understanding of effective instructional strategies—
a. Based on evidence-based research; and
b. Improve the number of minutes students are physically active in physical education or substantially increasing the knowledge and teaching skills of teachers
8. Are aligned with and directly related to Oregon physical education content standards
9. Are regularly evaluated for their impact on increased teacher effectiveness and improved student performance, with the findings of the evaluations used to improve the quality of professional development
10. Provide instruction in methods of teaching children with special needs
11. Include instruction in the use of data and assessments to inform and instruct classroom practice
As a result of participating in the professional development, physical education instructors will be better prepared to offer physical education instruction based on a sequential, developmentally appropriate curriculum. Through its design, implementation and evaluation components, this curriculum helps students develop the knowledge, motor skills, self-management skills, attitudes and confidence needed to adopt and maintain physical activity throughout their lives.My Thoughts: With the increased interest in child obesity, expect more of this kind of work. A great opportunity for online delivery and/or an add-on to existing professional development, or comprehensive school reform work with schools. ••••
