Physical Education experienced landmark progress in 2017-2018!! For the first time since the 1970’s, we added two Elementary Physical Education (EPE) Specialists. And for the first time EVER...we hired our own Adapted Physical Education (APE) teacher! The addition of these positions will be of immeasurable value to DUSD students. The research is clear: healthier kids learn better, and movement throughout their school day leads to fewer behavior issues, increased student engagement, and the creation of a safe & supportive learning environment.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential in today’s schools. Physical Education is the only content area that explicitly teaches SEL as part of our CA Model Content Standards. Quality PE not only enhances our students’ Physical Literacy journey, it builds better human beings through teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and empathy-building.
Assessment, Grade Level Outcomes (GLOs), & Curriculum Maps in DUSD PE led to some amazing innovation! One example.....Plickers Magnets (“Plagnets”) were implemented this year as a quick technology-based tool for students to self-assess on their progress toward mastering the lesson objective/GLO.
The “4 C’s” of Common Core are readily evident in any PE lesson. Communication, Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking. And opportunities for student voice and choice are developed regularly to empower our young people. Choice of equipment, choice of task or activity, choice of group members....the teacher sets the parameters, and the students are empowered to produce great results as they feel they have a voice in their own learning.
EPE Teacher Devina Cruz - with rubber chickens in hand! - ready to start class with an amazing cooperative activity!
EPE Teacher Rick Rivera prompts a student group to develop shared responsibility for knowing the safety considerations and rules for a cooperative activity. Developing shared responsibility leads to higher levels of group success!
APE Teacher Diego Diaz celebrates a successful event with one of his students during the 1st Annual DUSD Spring Games for our Mod/Severe Students!