Children and youth diagnosed with developmental disabilities (DD) are at a higher risk for mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety) and physical health issues (e.g., obesity) when compared to their typically developing counterparts. An intervention that may be able to mitigate and even prevent these issues is physical activity (PA); however, despite…

Physically Literacy (PL), a term adopted by SHAPE America in 2014, has been coined the goal of physical education. The purpose of this study is to define PL and give practical applications for physical educators while also reviewing current PL assessments. PL is defined as "the ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide variety…

In recent years, the concept of creating and sustaining healthy school communities (HSC) has increased in popularity and acceptance as a way to link health and education outcomes within school communities across the globe. With the dual goal of enhancing student learning and facilitating action for health through education, schools with…

At the most recent SHAPE America National Convention held in St. Louis, MO, an international perspective of the term "physical literacy" was introduced. Experts representing North America, Europe, and Asia provided insight into the increased acceptance and implementation of the term. Since the terms "physical education" and…

About 25 percent of child injuries occur in schools, most of them during physical education activities. Physical education safety guidelines are one strategy to reduce the number of student injuries. However, based on the findings of a recent evaluation of provincial safety guidelines, only two-thirds of physical education teachers use the safety…

The short- and long-term effects of quality physical education programs have been a subject of considerable debate by educational administrators and state legislators during the past decade. While physical educators have repeatedly demonstrated the importance of daily moderate and vigorous physical activity on the immediate health and wellbeing of…

In 1972 in Canada, PARTICIPaction was founded as a private, independent, national company with the goal of encouraging Canadians to become more physically active. The company is described, and the Canada Fitness Survey of 1981 is summarized. The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute is then described, and its commitment to research and…

This article discusses individualized instruction in physical education programs and suggests how to implement a "levels approach" to meet student needs. The Secondary Physical Education Curriculum and Resource Guide was prepared to integrate curriculum planning components with a focus on individualization. (DF)

A controlled experiment conducted in Canada, the Trois Rivieres regional experiment, investigated the effects of increased physical education instruction on elementary school students. Results indicate that more time can be spent in physical education and that the increased time may result in improvement in other academic areas. (CJ)

Physical education is becoming increasingly popular in elementary schools in Canada. Studies concerning the balancing of physical activities and intellectual subject matter, upgrading skills through inservice education, improving fitness, and project evaluation methods are reviewed. (JN)

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a coaching and teaching methodology that develops knowledge, abilities, and skills. It also encourages participation, collaborative investigation, and the resolution of authentic, "ill-structured" problems through the use of problem definition, teamwork, communication, data collection, decision-making,…

In July 2000, a Harry Potter camp was held at the University of Windsor Faculty of Education to reenact and celebrate J. K. Rowling's novel Harry Potter. As a result of this camp, a new sport was invented--Quidditch--which soon took hold in Ontario, Canada. Quidditch has since been played by teams at Chatham Kent Secondary School, Chatham…

Researchers examined procedures for collecting data on students' competency in two fundamental motor skills, criteria for assessing skill proficiency, and results across several grades. They task-analyzed videotapes of students' performance and determined that most students did not meet criterion expectations associated with an advanced form for…

An extensive descriptive study of high school physical education programs in 15 urban Canadian high schools collected and analyzed data to provide insight into student (N=225) activity as an indication of physical education quality. Motor skill and cognitive development activities were observed and analyzed. (IAH)

Findings from an experimental study conducted at an interpretive trail indicate that visual and tactile experiences facilitate retention of knowledge. The 160 subjects included adults, college freshmen, and fifth-graders. (IAH)