Physical Education

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mid-Cycle Review, 2008-2009

The current Beaverton School District Physical Education (PE) program was initiated starting with the 2006-2007 school year. In February 2008 the Board directed the department of Teaching and Learning to evaluate the implementation of the program. The need to evaluate the program was based on a couple of factors. First, both the PE and Health programs were approved by the Board for implementation in the same year. And as the need to evaluate the successfulness of implementation of the Health program was recommended, it was a good opportunity to evaluate issues faced by PE specialists. Second, after teaching the program for two years, PE specialists were more able to identify barriers to delivering the program as well as needs for materials and professional development.

Summer 2008
A cadre of K-12 PE specialists met by level (elementary, middle, or high) during the summer of 2008 to begin planning the review process. The Department of Teaching and Learning reviewed the work and began the coordination process.

Fall 2008
A meeting schedule was agreed upon to address three key areas of the mid-cycle review process: fidelity to the instructional program, materials, and professional development needs. The PE Cadre were highly efficient during the early Fall planning meetings and were able to make initial recommendations. Those recommendations were made available to all PE specialists for review and feedback. Teachers responded from all levels and provided several key reflections.

First, all PE specialists indicated all learning targets were being taught in the classroom. Three of four teachers reported using educational materials made available through the physical education grant of 2004. Teachers also noted the number of instructional minutes per week in PE were short of the State standards. The number of instructional minutes offered in buildings is part of a larger issue of district and building resources as well as balancing the instructional needs of all content areas within a school day. Second, PE specialists indicated a need for additional teaching materials to fully implement learning target 2.2, "Fitness for Life". The Department of Teaching and Learning will conduct a needs-based inquiry to identify requests from individual buildings in support of this learning target.

Finally, all specialists indicated a need in assessment training. Secondary teachers now have access to assessment training in either the Middle School Assessment Project or High School Enhancement Project; both a Beaverton School District process on addressing proficiency in student learning.

Winter 2009
At this writing, the mid-cycle review report is ready for submission and consideration at the February 9, 2009 regular Board meeting. It is anticipated the PE recommendation will be an action item for approval during the March 2009 Board meeting. If approved, the revised curricular program will begin with the 2009-2010 school year.

Last Updated: April 06, 2009