Many physical educators understand the important role formative assessment has on their teaching and student learning outcomes. However, when carefully examining different physical education settings they learn instruction is oftentimes disconnected from assessment. When talking about assessment, educators first need to distinguish between the two…

Research has cited numerous advantages and benefits of K-12 collaborations with the larger university community (Castle, Fox, & Souder, 2006; Crocco, Faithfull, & Schwartz, 2003). Departments of kinesiology across the country are well positioned to establish partnerships with local school systems in order to advocate for quality, daily physical…

This article presents suggestions from various physical education teachers regarding how they can better prepare physical educators for teaching in an urban setting. An educator suggests that understanding that each student is an individual and taking the time and effort to talk with (instead of at) each student will allow a teacher the…

Shin splints are a common but often confusing injury. Sources disagree on both the cause of the injury and the anatomical source of the pain. Some blame shin splints on foot pronation, footstrike pattern, or arch height. Regardless of what causes the condition, it affects many runners, beginning in some at a young age. Young runners often have…

The cooperating teacher is the person who typically has the greatest impact on the student teacher (Coulon, 2000; Shantz & Ward, 2000). Therefore, cooperating teachers should become familiar with effective supervisory techniques and have a clear understanding of their role in the student teaching experience. University supervisors work with…

This article addressed the need for authentic interdisciplinary instruction. Authentic interdisciplinary instruction is defined as a learning activity that simultaneously improves student performance related to grade-level standards in two or more disciplines (e.g., science and physical education). The process described for creating authentic…

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007) estimates that one in every 110 children is affected by an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prevalence of ASDs makes it very likely that every physical education teacher is teaching at least one student with an ASD. This article will provide physical educators with a brief overview of…

Pedagogical content knowledge, especially at the undergraduate level, is vital to the development of competent physical education teachers. Thus, physical education teacher education (PETE) programs provide opportunities for developing and improving pedagogical skills. This article describes the educational potential and benefits of using novel…

Imagery is a powerful sport psychology tool easily accessible to coaches. These reminders can help coaches improve their athletes' images and performance: (1) Create vivid and controllable images; (2) Use polysensory images and instructional cues, delivered, ideally, in real time; (3) Use internal and external perspectives; (4) Use imagery during…

This article presents ideas and suggestions from various physical educators regarding how the National Standards for Physical Education play a role in their daily PE program. One educator shares that in her middle school's physical education program, students who demonstrate competency in many movement forms (and proficiency in a few movement…

Since the onset of No Child Left Behind (NCLB, 2002) schools have been focusing on raising test scores in reading and mathematics, while at the same time feeling pressured to reduce subjects such as physical education and health. It seems for many educators finding time in the school day for students' physical activity has become increasingly…

Physical Best and Fitnessgram have a 25-year history, yet many physical educators have yet to be exposed to their full potential. Exploring the Physical Best Activity Guide worksheets and the "Reports" section of Fitnessgram is like finding buried treasure in one's own back yard. These hidden treasures can help physical educators incorporate the…

There is a special relationship between a student teacher, the PK-12 teacher who serves as mentor, and the university/college supervisor. These three individuals, often called the triad, work together to transition the student from pre-service teacher to professional educator. This article focuses on the roles of mentor teachers and…

After years of working with athletes and coaches of all ages, the authors have come to the conclusion that young people need to be taught how to compete. Rather than assume students understand competition, it is vital that they are educated about it. Coaches and physical educators have both a unique opportunity and profound responsibility to teach…

When teaching individuals with autism it is important to pay particular attention to fitness and movement as these individuals are less likely than typical children to achieve the recommended level physical activity. Common characteristics of autism spectrum disorder can include deficits in communication and social behavior, which may limit…