In response to Blaine Moyle’s column (“Schools losing their focus on physical education”), what exactly was the focus of that column? Was it to provide misconceptions about physical education teachers? If I were an average person, that being someone in any profession other than teaching, I would read your article and think that if our children are not gaining knowledge or benefiting from physical education. Why even provide it?

With all the current cutbacks and decreasing budgets in schools, why wouldn’t the average person think of cutting the physical education program first? I’m sure after reading your article, they will now. But as future physical education teachers, we found your article to be very misleading. So all you average people out there hold off on cutting physical education programs until you finish this response to Moyle’s column.

Misconception No. 1: Physical education is not “gym.” The gym or gymnasium is where physical education takes place.

Misconception No. 2: Teachers don’t take physical education seriously. How serious is dedicating four or more years of your life to becoming the most effective teacher possible? At least, I think that’s what the physical education program here currently does for students; it makes us the best we can be.

Misconception No. 3: Physical education teachers grade on attendance and students perceive physical education to be an “easy A.” Sure we’ll grade on attendance, and participation, effort, attitude, skill development and comprehensive skills. As physical education teachers, we are attempting to develop students into life-long learners of physical fitness and health.

Misconception No. 4: “Many students who are overweight are allowed to not participate because it is understood that they cannot keep up with the other students.” Where did Moyle ever come up with this idea? In the past four years and approximately 100 hours of required observation by physical education students, we have yet to see the situation you are referring to. Instead we see the type of situation in which each and every individual, regardless of body composition, actively participates, often sweats profusely and somehow succeeds in improving their skill level and abilities.

Misconception No. 5: “Bring back dodgeball.” Dodgeball never left. It is an individual and cooperative activity that has made its way into many of the surrounding schools’ curriculums. These games do exclude students by eliminating players from the game when hit by a ball, but it also requires a teammate’s actions to bring that player back into the game, which makes it a team sport.

These types of activities demonstrate the focus on student needs and how schools and physical education teachers are trying to meet those individual, cooperative and competitive needs. Physical education teachers provide various activities that encourage students to be physically active and remain that way throughout their lives.

Nicole Beck

Senior

Exercise and sport science

Jaclyn Kelley

Senior

Exercise and sport science