2010 PHYSICAL ED. COMMITTEE
2010 DIVISION OFFICERS

TAHPERD Philosophy
Statement on Physical Education

Physical education is an essential part of the total education program and makes significant contributions toward the achievement of desirable educational outcomes through the medium of physical activity and related experiences.

Kid-netic Games
Sponsored by Region 10 ESC
May 8, 2010

What: The Kid-netic Games is a multi sport event for school aged students with various physical disabilities.

Who: Students ages 5-18 with physical impairments such as amputations, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, dwarfism, and other orthopedic impairments.

Events: Competitions/Clinics in Track & Field, Wheelchair basketball, Power Soccer, Wheelchair Tennis, and Boccia

Where: St. Mark’s School of Texas
10600 Preston Road | Dallas , TX

>> CLIC K HERE for a flyer.
>> CLICK HERE for the flyer in Spanish.

Fun Facts Trivia Calendar

Janice Swope from Pflugerville ISD reads a Fun Fact question during the morning announcements each day.

Students write down their answer and their teacher's name and turn in them in before lunch. The winners are announced during lunch.

The theme for May is Sports.

>> CLICK HERE for the May Fun Facts.

Announcing the
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

On October 7, 2008 , the Federal Government published comprehensive physical activity guidelines for the first time. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  (HHS)  released the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans designed to provide information and guidance on the types and amounts of physical activity that provide substantial health benefits for Americans aged 6 years and older.

The Physical Activity Guidelines are new because they describe:
>> A total amount of activity per week that allows people to design their own way of meeting the Guidelines.
>> A range of physical activity options that emphasizes the more you do, the more health benefits you gain. Recommendations for groups such as children and adolescents, adults, older adults, persons with disabilities, pregnant and postpartum women, and persons with some chronic conditions.

To complement the Guidelines, HHS has developed a Toolkit that can help you get the word out about the new Guidelines and encourage Americans to be physically active. Toolkit items include a Be Active Your Way booklet and Fact Sheet for Adults—based on the Guidelines, these resources can help Americans decide the number of days, types of activities, and times that fit their schedule. Organizations that sign up to become Supporters will receive a free Toolkit and will be listed on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Web site at http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/. To sign up, visit the Web site and click Become a Supporter.

More information and 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans materials are available online at http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/

FITNESSGRAM Results Information
At 10:30am on Tuesday, July 1, the Commissioner of Education, Robert Scott, introduced the preliminary statewide results of the fitness assessment during a press conference at the State Capitol with Senator Jane Nelson, Dr. Kenneth Cooper of the Cooper Institute, and Cody Carlson, former NFL player and parent.

>> CLICK HERE to view the press conference.
>> FITNESSGRAM Scores by District
>> FITNESSGRAM Results
>> FITNESSGRAM Table
>> FITNESSGRAM Handout

Sample Letters
>> FITNESSGRAM Sample Letter to Parents
>> FITNESSGRAM Parent Letter & Texas Law Info
>> FITNESSGRAM Sample Letter en Espanol

Clarification of Fitness Testing for
Special Needs Students & FAQ
>> CLICK HERE

Fitness Testing of Special Needs Students
The Texas required fitness testing of all students in grades 3-12 has created some questions concerning the testing of students with special needs. The law requiring fitness testing allows administrators of school districts to make the decision to test their students with special needs or not  and most are following the students individual education plan as it relates to physical activity. However, TAHPERD members and leadership want as many students included in the testing process as is possible and reasonable. To address this issue, three of our members created a paper providing information on fitness testing of special needs students.

>> CLICK HERE to access the paper.

>> CLICK HERE to access FAQs on Exempting Fitness Testing.

Heart Video
>> CLICK HERE to watch the Heart Video



ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION
DISABILITY FACT SHEETS


Texas Woman’s University
Adapted Physical Education Master’s Program
(French, R. 1997- 2004)

In Cooperation with Denton Independent
School District Adapted Physical Educators

Participation in physical education can contribute to positive attitudes regarding vigorous activity as essential throughout life to maintain health and to enrich the quality of life. Because of its unique and essential contribution to the total education program, the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance strongly recommends quality daily physical education instruction be required for grades K-12.

Grades K-3 should have a minimum of 30 minutes per daily class period. Grades 4-8 should have a minimum of 45 minutes per daily class period. It is further important that class size be consistent with other subjects in the curriculum. Preferably class size would not exceed 30 students.

Grades 9-12 should be required to obtain a minimum of 2 years (2 units). In addition, schools should be required to provide instruction so that students can take an additional two years of physical education on an elective basis.

No substitutions should be permitted for participants in marching band, ROTC, drill teams, cheerleading, vocational subjects and any other curriculum or extra curricular activities. These substitutions deprive students of the benefits to be derived from an instructional program in physical education

Physical fitness, including concepts that will encourage the achievement of personal physical fitness throughout their lives, should be emphasized as a vital component of the curriculum at all levels. All physical education students should be given a fitness evaluation yearly and the results should be reported to their parents. All other essential elements at each level with be included.

All physical education classes should be taught by instructors certified in the emphasis areas necessary to that grade level.

Adequate indoor and outdoor facilities should be provided and should be maintained to meet safety standards. Quality equipment and supplies should be provided in sufficient quantity to meet the needs of all students.

Physical education should be adapted for those students who have special needs. To the extent it is feasible, such students should take part in regular classes. Special classes should be scheduled for students who are severely handicapped or who are otherwise unable to participate in the regular program.


ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION INFORMATION:

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Adapted Physical Education in Texas....
Click below to find answers to 45 of the most frequently asked questions about adapted physical education.
CLICK HERE for answers.

TAHPERD 20 10 Adapted
Physical Activities Committee


Local District Adapted Physical Activity Website:
Denton ISD Adapted Physical Education

College/University Teacher Preparation
Programs in Texas:
To access a list of colleg es and
universities in Texas that offer Adapted Physical Education
Teacher Preparation Programs
CLICK HERE .

Adapted Physical Education Manual of Best Practices
TAHPERD has produced a practical, easy-to-use resource guide for implementing Adapted Physical Education into your curriculum. CLICK HERE for order form.

WCopyright © 2008, Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance
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TAHPERD Office
7910 Cameron Road
Austin, Texas 78754
Ph: 512.459.1299 - Fax: 512.459.1290