The incorporation of a self-defense unit of study within secondary physical education programs is becoming commonplace in 21st-century curricula. The threat of crime to oneself, one's belongings, or one's home is very real and is a particular concern to youths, because teens and young adults experience the highest rates of crime as reported by the…

The accreditation process is typically complicated and time consuming. A current trend in higher education has been for units, programs, and institutions to use Internet-based commercial assessment products to simplify this process. The integration of an online-assessment product as a means to monitor and verify student learning within a formal…

A quality physical education program is at the heart of any plan to promote lifelong participation in physical activity, but it has become evident at many schools that physical education specialists alone cannot address the physical activity needs of children. This is why a series of studies were conducted to develop strategies for the…

Although many recent studies have shown that the lack of physical activity is one of the major causes of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease among children and adolescents, few studies have shown the connection between the lack of physical education and the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle. However, it is clear that physical education…

Response towards coeducational physical education has been varied due to individual teacher perceptions and administrative support. Many programs may fail due to the dysfunctional nature of change in schools. The use of ability grouping and administrative commitment is suggested as a means of improving sex-integrated physical education. (DF)

A task analysis approach to curriculum development provides a set of guidelines or educational requirements for recreation professionals based on student needs and specific work settings. A list of specific tasks that recreation personnel should be able to perform at six distinct educational levels is offered. (DF)

Suggestions for developing an intramural triathlon consisting of a 1000-yard swim, 15-mile bike ride, and 5-mile run are presented in this article. Topics to consider when organizing this event include course selection, publicity, personnel, equipment, and awards. (DF)

Teacher-coaches are particularly susceptible to stress and burnout because of role conflict, role ambiguity, and role overload. Administrators need to be more aware of the special problems teacher-coaches have, develop alternative staffing patterns, and try to relieve some of the stress and pressure. (CB)

Three articles propose diversity strategies for teachers, recreation leaders, and program managers to include in their classrooms and programs. The articles are "Diversity Education for Professional Practice" (Sharon Washington); "Just Recreation for Girls and Women" (Karla Henderson); and "A Different Set of Footprints: A Portrayal of One Woman's…

After-school activity programs to alleviate the worries of working parents with school-age children and to provide these children with directed play are proposed. A budget for such a program; how to locate volunteers; and a sample schedule are suggested. (JL)

Provides a brief overview of the gerontology movement and looks at health, physical education, recreation, and dance (HPERD) curriculum development and professional preparation focusing on the implications for serving the growing older population, educating younger people for successful aging, and improving HPERD status within the field of…