The Purpose of Physical Education Programs in School-Based Programs

Introduction:

Over the past several years, physical education (PE) has increasingly been on the verge of the copping block in many school systems. Many school-based programs across North America are unable to financially support PE programs. The lack of funding has resulted in either uncertified staff being hired, lack of proper equipment or even complete removal of the program. {. . .}

In attempts to fix this, several scholars work to determine whether PE programs should be maintained or removed in a school-based program?

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Physical education conveys a multitude of positive aspects, which serve to develop and train students. PE as well provides a way to teach students new skills and ideas in a hands on fashion. PE proves to help improve the physical health, social extroversion, and psychological capabilities.

Staying healthy in an important aspect of everyday living, therefore it may be expressed that physical activity, as well, is important for everyday living. Physical education provides students the opportunity to become physical fit. Physically fit may be defined as: “the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue and with ample energy to enjoy leisure-time pursuits and to meet unforeseen emergencies” (Carl, 1985). General fitness of a human being is broken down into four sub categories, which allow for better way of life. These categories consist of a) cardiovascular endurance, b) muscular endurance, c) muscular strength, and d) flexibility (Carl, 1985) {. . .}

Those who partake in physical education (albeit those persons having certain physiological limitations), it is the teacher and the environment have a drastic effect on the efficacy of physical education. Marsh...

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...sses that despite a 6.6%, 10%, 16.6% loss in class time (Per week: 2 hours; 3 hours; 5 hours, respectively) there was an increase in average academic performance of 30% (Sallis et al., 1999). By analyzing the studies by Dwyer et al. and Sallis et al., physical education poses a major role in development of academic importance. To have the potential to increase literacy and learning abilities would be extremely beneficial, thus proving that physical education programs should be maintained in a school-based program. To allow student to achieve better marks, and to prepare students for learning in the future when physical education programs may not be readily accessible or may pose as a time constraint.

Albeit the positivity to having a school-based physical education program, PE is not always beneficial to the students or external factors (funding, training, etc.).