Program Objectives

1. Articulates basic physical education and health knowledge, central concepts, and
   pedagogical practices that promote healthy lifestyles.
2. Develops a professional philosophy consistent with current national and state
   physical education/health standards.
3. Identifies the role, function and responsibility of a physical education and health
   teacher and physical education and health program coordinator.
4. Assesses informally student health and physical education needs based on fitness
   level, past experiences and interests.
5. Identifies and articulates the concepts and skills contained in the current state
   and NASPE and national health education standards.
6. Designs and delivers instructional programs based on stated goals and objectives.
7. Analyzes and articulates the factors that affect physical education/health engagement,
   home-school connections, and instructional strategies.
8. Identifies the structure, function, principles and effects of movement and activity
   on the human body.
   
9. Articulates the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of students
   using diagnostic methods, teaching techniques, prescriptive
   programming, and evaluation.
10. Articulates an understanding of the behavioral and social sciences in order to
    create a learning environment that encourages social interaction, active
    engagment in learning and self-motivation.
11. Evaluates commercial health and physical education programs and resources.
12. Implements effective instructional approaches including the use of media and
    technology.
13. Applies formal and information assessment strategies.
14. Reflects on and evaluates the impact of one’s instructional capacity on others
    and classroom management skills.

Curriculum

• The major is designed for students who wish to acquire the diverse competencies needed to teach physical education (K-12).
• Students learn about culturally sensitive, constructivist, multicultural, critically reflective, integrated and inclusionary approaches to teaching and learning.
• Students begin courses in the major in the freshman year.
• The program can be completed in 4 1/2 years.

Field Experience

• Students have extensive opportunities for field experiences in local schools.
• Field experiences can occur in a variety of settings, including large and small schools; public and private schools; and rural, suburban and urban schools.
• Two field experiences are required prior to student teaching.