Professional Preparation in Physical Education 1930-1959.

Overview & Synopsis

An overview is given of the progress of physical education teacher education from 1930 through 1959. The teaching of physical education gained the status of a profession during the 1930's, when normal schools were expanded into teachers colleges and four year teacher preparation programs. The curriculum changed from rigid physical training programs to more flexible programs with individual choices emphasizing methodology, fundamental science, psychology, and health. During the war years, enrollment in physical education declined; when enrollment rose after the second world war, conflict arose regarding the emphasis on the component of fitness, which some professionals considered too narrow. Conferences were held to address this issue and others, including womens' athletics and the recreation component. In the 1950's, graduate programs grew, as did specialization within the physical education field. The 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's were the years for the maturing of professional preparation programs in physical education. (CB)