In most American school systems coaches are also physical education
teachers, and physical education teachers are also coaches. Historically
speaking most physical educators don't choose to go into the field
because of their love for gym class, but because of their love for
football, basketball, baseball... sports of some kind. And for a high
percentage of these folks coaching (their first love) occupies 90% of
their attention, while physical education class (their job) occupies 10%
of their attention.
In
other words the games, and practices for those games is where the
coach's heart is, while PE class is an afterthought, a stepchild, a
second class citizen that's tolerated because it's the means to a highly
regarded, highly valued, and often highly publicized (it's also the
most potent PR vehicle in the world for most schools systems) end - the
games, the sports, and the 5 to 10% of students who actively
participate.
Physical Educators and Pink Slips
Under these
conditions is it any wonder why Physical Education has inadvertently
climbed all way to the bottom of the academic ladder in most school
systems? The people who are in charge of the classes don't even value
them.
In contrast math and science inevitably occupy the top two
positions, while art, music, and physical education occupy the bottom
three positions, and everything else is sandwiched in between. Under
these conditions is it any wonder why physical educators are so often at
the first pink slip recipients when local budget slashers start
chopping away at their school system's budget?
Stealing the Football Coach's Spotlight and Refocusing it on Physical Education
3:34 AM |
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