High school physical education curricula should concentrate less on sport skill development and competition, and more on health-related fitness and aerobic activity. Results are reported from a study of the type and amount of aerobic exercise provided in 29 high school physical education programs in a large metropolitan area. (IAH)

Six articles comprise this feature which explores ways in which educators and recreation leaders can respond to the needs of disabled individuals by adopting a flexible teaching style. The emphasis is on creative use of dance, movement, and music with children and adults having various disabilities. (IAH)

Data from a national survey of 32 state administrators for athletics reveals that only one state had documented standards for qualifications of Athletic Directors (AD) of secondary schools. Additional data concerning characteristics considered important for a secondary AD position is also included. (IAH)

This article introduces seven elementary physical education specialists who are the subjects of a year-long study on effective teachers. It also justifies the use of the term "effective" when talking about them. Objective and reputational data are presented to justify the decision to include the teachers in the sample. (IAH)

Findings are reported from a study which investigated how seven elementary physical education specialists developed rules, managerial routines, and performance expectations at the start of the school year. Routines and rules are identified, and instructional techniques are discussed. Comparisons are made based on years of experience and grade…

Findings are reported from a study which investigated planning strategies employed by effective elementary physical education specialists. Written year-long, unit, and lesson plans were analyzed, and the degree of adherence to these plans was examined. Differences in planning strategies and adherence to written plans emerged among beginning,…

Seven elementary physical education teachers were surveyed regarding special events and programs they conducted during the year to supplement the regular curriculum. Events and programs were of three types: culminating activities at the end of units; intramurals; and special events and programs, both at school and away. (IAH)

Findings are reported from a study of two beginning physical education teachers. Successful and problematic experiences are identified; relationships with administrators, peers, students, and parents are discussed; and the experiences of these two teachers are compared to the experiences reported by veteran teachers and classroom research…

This article reports results of an examination of the influence of student teachers on the professional lives of three veteran elementary physical education specialists. These teachers were interviewed about their perceptions of the student teaching practicum, reasons for participation, benefits, their role, and collaboration with teacher…

This article explores the conceptual and operational distinctions between effectiveness and expertise. Interviews, observation, and review of related literature suggest: (1) effectiveness and experience are necessary but not sufficient for achieving expertise; (2) expertise is specific to subject matter and context; (3) expertise can be explained…

This article summarizes the themes which emerged from a year-long study of effective elementary physical education teachers. Themes include: the paradox of professional status, seriousness toward the profession; the politics of inclusion; professional isolation; lack of power; the expansion of teachers' scopes as they gain experience; and outside…

The article identifies behaviors and issues related to being a nonexceptional sibling of a brother or sister with mental retardation. The parent's role in helping a nonexceptional sibling cope is briefly considered. A two-day workshop and an instructional unit designed to support siblings are outlined and briefly described. (DB)

A self-management training package used in conjunction with a changing performance criterion was effective in increasing the number of steps a profoundly retarded student in a community employment setting was able to perform independently. A four-step model for teaching the severely disabled to manage their own behavior is suggested. (Author/DB)

The study evaluated the effects of self recording alone and of additional self-management techniques in improving the ability of adults with mental retardation (N=9) to self-direct daily living activities. All subjects improved their performance in task completion suggesting that self-recording alone may be effective in improving task completion.…

The investigation assessed effects of a self-management training program on the production rates of four severely mentally retarded workers. The program comprised self-instructions, goal setting, and self-reinforcement. Results indicated that the program substantially improved the production rates for all workers for up to three months. (Author/DB)