The Physical Education Teacher as School Activity Director

JOPERD • Volume 78 No. 5 • May/June 2007 N early half of youths between the ages of 12 and 21 are not vigorously active on a regular basis (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). If the educational setting is to play a role in meeting national health objectives for youths, the school environment needs to promote opportunities for physical activity. Hence, the purpose of this article is to help physical education teachers to start a comprehensive physical activity program that refl ects effective teaching practices, such as increased engagement during physical education and student accountability, and that emphasizes contemporary practices such as instant activity, modifi ed games, active recess, intramurals, drop-in activity periods, and participation in school wellness initiatives.