Professional Preparation in Elementary School Physical Education at the University of Florida.

Overview & Synopsis

In an effort to meet the growing need for physical education specialists, the University of Florida developed a professional preparation program which began in the winter quarter of 1973. Thirty-seven hours of upper-division professional courses are taken by all physical education majors. There are also 35 hours of core courses for prospective elementary physical education specialists. An integral part of this program is the sequential pattern of public school experiences which each student is exposed to. These experiences are arranged throughout the program in the following order: a) observe in the classroom and gymnasium, b) aid the classroom teacher and physical education specialist with clerical duties, c) assist the physical education specialist with part of the lesson, d) teach part of a physical education lesson under the supervision of the specialist, e) teach a comprehensive lesson to an entire class, and f) student-teach for 2 hours per week. That student response to the program has been positive is indicated by the fact that in just one quarter 10% of physical education students opted for the new program. (HMD)