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Position Statements
Position Statements:
Concerning Human Target GamesThe Kentucky Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance strongly encourage all physical education teachers in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to eliminate human target games (dodge ball, battle ball, etc.) and to follow appropriate NASPE (National Association of Sport and Physical Education) standards for physical education activities.
For Physical EducationPhysical education is a unique aspect of education in that it provides the only instruction for students in the development and maintenance of positive attitudes, essential knowledge and physical skills. The contribution of physical education is to provide for the optimal physical development of each individual, providing instruction necessary for life-long fitness, movement, and physical well-being. Good physical education experiences also contribute to social, psychological, and mental development. Without an effective physical education program in conjunction with other academic subjects, it is impossible for students to achieve the well-rounded development they need and deserve.
Physical Education - An Essential Skill in the School CurriculumPhysical education is the only offering in the school curriculum which provides the opportunity for all children and youth to develop lifetime health, fitness, coordination skills, and movement experiences. Physical education instruction programs enable all children and youth to realize, acquire, and maintain a knowledge of why health related fitness and movement are essential to their present and future well-being.
Physical education also provides a significant contribution to the continuous development of each individual's physical, mental, social, and emotional needs and capabilities through a systematic and selective instructional program. This can be achieved only by a certified Physical Educator. Physical education's unique contribution to the total offerings of the school develops in each student an interest in, and an enjoyment of, physical activities which will be sustained throughout life.
Physical Education - An Essential RequirementPhysical Education instruction is essential for all students, from pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. To profit from the benefits of exercise and movement, and to develop essential skills in physical activities suitable for life-long participation, instructional periods should be scheduled daily on all levels. The daily instructional period for elementary school pupils should be at least thirty (30) minutes in length. The daily instructional period for secondary students should be a standard class period. Class size should be consistent with the class size of other subject areas. Sufficient indoor and outdoor facilities, equipment, and supplies should be provided to ensure maximum participation in the instructional program.
Physical education should be adapted for those students who have special needs. To the extent feasible, such students should take part in regular classes. Special classes should be scheduled for students who are severely impaired or who are otherwise unable to participate in the regular program.
Substitutions for Physical EducationThere are no programs in any educational system that should be substituted for physical education: i.e. athletic teams, R.O.T.C., marching band, intramurals, cheerleading, recess, or any other extracurricular activities. Such activities do not meet the goals and objectives of a quality physical education program.
Position Statement for School Health EducationThe health of school age youth has been of highest priority since the early part of the twentieth century. Since the Cardinal Principles of Education (1918) identified health as a major objective of education, health continues to be of prime importance as demonstrated by the recent Kentucky Supreme Court opinion concerning the celebrated "Corn's Decision." The supreme court concurred, "that an efficient system of education must have as its goal to provide each and every child with at least the seven following capacities. . ." Capacity (iv) states, "Sufficient self-knowledge and knowledge of his or her mental and physical wellness." Children must be healthy in order to maximize the benefits of the various educational programs provided by the school.
Health education is a means of preserving, protecting, and promoting the health of this nation's youth. Children can learn to become the caretakers of their own well-being. A quality health education curriculum addresses current and future health needs of students.
The health of youth is best addressed through a comprehensive school health program that encompasses three interdependent yet complementing components: school health services, healthful school living, and health education/health instruction. School health programs must be comprehensive and coordinated in order to meet the multidimensional needs and interest of youth. Comprehensive school health programs are planned and implemented for the purpose of maintaining, reinforcing, or enhancing the health, health related skills, and health attitudes and practices of children and youth.*
In the Commonwealth, the health instruction component of the comprehensive school health program should promote wellness in addition to disease and disability prevention. The health instruction program should be a planned, comprehensive, K-12 grade sequential program based upon the needs of youth as well as current and emerging health concepts and societal issues. Instruction in health should help youth develop decision making skills and develop competencies in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning. Since the health of humankind is composed of at least five dimensions (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social), it is essential that all of these dimensions be integrated into instruction in the various health content areas. Students in the Commonwealth should receive health instruction in the following areas: community health; consumer health; personal health; family life education; nutrition; environmental health; mental and emotional health; substance use and abuse (tobacco, alcohol, and drugs); prevention and control of diseases and disorders; and safety, accident prevention, and first aid.
School health instruction programs must be coordinated and include an effective management system capable of utilizing all of the community's resources and directing attention to the proper scope and sequence of a K-12 health education program. In order to accomplish this, health instruction should be given sufficient resources that include budgeted instructional materials, time, management staff, and qualified teachers. At the elementary school level, health instruction should be provided by the regular classroom teacher. These teachers should have had appropriate training in health education for health instruction in the elementary schools. At the junior and senior high school level, health instruction should be provided by certified health educators, possessing either a major or minor in health education.
The quality of life for those who live in the Commonwealth can be enhanced through comprehensive school health programs in all the schools in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. School health programs can fulfill the health needs of the youth and promote a high quality of wellness for all who are served by these programs.
Strategic Plan