JOPERD: Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Teaching Spanish-Speaking Hispanic Children with Developmental Disabilities: Recommendations for Physical Educators

Lorena Gonzalez Espitia, Josephine Blagrave, and Layne Case

Studies indicate higher obesity rates among Hispanic children with developmental disabilities (DDs) compared to their non-Hispanic counterparts, highlighting the need for tailored interventions. However, Hispanic families with children with DDs often face barriers in accessing adapted physical education (APE) and school-based services due to cultural differences, leading to gaps in information and support. It is thus crucial to understand Hispanic parents’ cultural beliefs and perspectives around physical education in order to develop family-centered interventions to promote physical activity. This article describes the barriers Hispanic families of children with DDs face when engaging in physical activity at home, in school, and in the community and provides evidence-based recommendations for professionals who serve these families.

Content Knowledge for Teaching Ultimate Frisbee in Middle and High School

Toon Dehandschutter, Kian Vanluyten, Hilde Leysen, Hans van der Mars, Phillip Ward, and Peter Iserbyt

Ultimate Frisbee is a challenging activity that can contribute to meeting the first three 2024 SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards for middle and high school students. Ultimate Frisbee is different from other invasion games in that it is a no-contact and self-officiated (i.e., without a referee) game in which the “spirit of the game” prescribes how students should behave on the field. This article outlines an eight-lesson unit aimed at developing skillful play through a progression of game situations. The goals of the unit are to (1) develop functional use of basic techniques and tactical actions, (2) gain support and ensure possession of the Frisbee, (3) prevent scoring opportunities and gain possession of the Frisbee, and (4) maintain fair play. Pedagogical principles, common errors, and an assessment method are also included in the article.

Health-Related Fitness Testing: Recommendations for Policy and Practice

David Daum, Melissa Bittner, Tonya Moore, Debra Patterson, Dianne Wilson-Graham, and Patti Suppe

Fitness testing is a common component of physical education, and in some cases, required by law. While fitness testing aims to educate students about health-related fitness, its implementation has often led to exclusionary practices, raising concerns about its efficacy in encouraging physical activity. Fitness testing and related teaching practices came under scrutiny in California for its impact on bullying, lack of accommodations for students with disabilities, and gender identity. This article explores recommendations to foster an inclusive and equitable environment during fitness testing and offers insights into refining fitness testing policy and practices for all physical educators. The recommendations provided serve as a guide for physical educators to adapt their practices and advocate for policies that create an environment that prioritizes students' well-being and inclusiveness.

Blending Technology with Classroom Movement Integration

Taemin Ha, Jongho Moon, and Collin Webster

Multiple national organizations and a substantial body of research highlight that schools are ideally positioned to promote physical activity (PA) among children and adolescents. One effective approach to extending students' school-based PA beyond traditional programs, such as physical education and recess, is through movement integration (MI)—the incorporation of PA at any intensity level during regular classroom time. Integrating technology into MI can further enhance engagement in classroom PA activities. This article presents strategies for combining technology with MI that can be implemented by diverse school staff, including classroom teachers and others who contribute to an active school culture. Additionally, it offers valuable insights for college professors, researchers, and interventionists interested in advancing MI implementation in schools.

The Impact of Curriculum Revision on Enrollment and Student Success

Rebecca Elkins and Carol A. Ryan

Teacher shortages—including in physical education and health programs—have plagued the United States. Shortages are directly related to the decline in enrollment and completion of teacher education preparation programs. Therefore, it is extremely important to find ways to promote enrollment and completion of teacher preparation programs among university students. This article describes a process utilized by one university to examine the existing physical education teacher education (PETE) and health education teacher education (HETE) program’s curriculum with Praxis test requirements and the 2024 SHAPE America National Standards in mind. Following a collaborative faculty review, program content was organized and revised with a measurable positive impact on enrollment and student success. Lessons learned from this curriculum revision self-study may be of value to those facing similar challenges in PETE/HETE programs.

VIEWPOINT

Reflecting on Our True Content: A Continuing Conversation

Ray Martinez

This viewpoint article discusses the domain focus needed in physical education to help students acquire the content knowledge, motor competence, and personal and social values necessary for lifelong activity.

EDITORIAL

Resist the Temptation to Just “Roll Out the Bots:” A Brief Defense of Human-Driven Physical Education

Chad M. Killian

This editorial highlights the potential danger of surrendering the selection and sequencing of content to artificial intelligence, rather than designing lessons based on the unique needs and interests of students.

TEACHING TIPS

Creating an Empowering “Playful Experience” Choreography for Your PE Program

Tess Armstrong

This article describes a simple, six-step process to learn how to confidently choreograph “playful experience” dances for students based on the Teaching Dance for Understanding model.