This past August, the NASPE Board of Directors developed a task force to do two things:

• Revise the K-12 standards
• Develop a curriculum framework for physical education

The first step is getting those standards revised! NASPE/AAHPERD is calling on members to make suggestions to the first draft of the revisions. Please  email your feedback to Cheryl Richardson, Senior Director of Programs, at crichardson@aahperd.org. You will find more details and a link to the revisions on NASPE’s website.

The deadline to make your opinion count is July 10! NASPE/AAHPERD looks forward to hearing your thoughts!

Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaii

Co-hosted with AAHPERD

RECENTLY UPDATED!!   Convention Tentative Program

Click here descriptions of all the exciting sessions and workshops on tap for this summer’s convention!

Keynote Speaker

Brad Strand, AAHPERD President

Pre-Convention In-Depth Workshops

Wednesday, June 13, 2012
$30, member/$50, non-member

Morning sessions

• 8:00 – 11:00 am  Polynesian Dance

Kumu (Instructors) from a local halau (dance studio) will provide participants with the historical background and a basic understanding of different Polynesian dances such as the hula, Tahitian, and haka like seen at the Hawai’i football games. Beginning with a warm-up that entails learning the techniques of these dances and practicing the basic steps, participants will then learn a routine or two that they will be able to share with others.

• 8:00 – 11:00 am  Standup Paddling (session is FULL)

Originating in Hawai’i, Standup Paddling or SUP was originally called “Beach Boy Surfing”. In the 1960′s, the Beach Boys of Waikiki would stand on their long boards and paddle out with the outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf. In the early 2000′s, professional surfers began using it as a cross training exercise, and the rest is history. The Hawaiian translation is Ku Hoe He’e Nalu – to stand, to paddle, to surf. We invite you to take this opportunity to experience this fast growing sport, learn the basic techniques of surfing with a paddle, while enjoying the fabulous views of the ocean and the coastline on the north shore of O’ahu. (Limited to 30 participants)

Afternoon Sessions

• 12:30 – 3:30 pm  Beach Volleyball

Playing volleyball on the beach on the north shore of O’ahu, with people you enjoy, is the place you’ll want to be. Whether you have experience or not or just want to get some exercise while enjoying the sand and sea, this is for you. Beach volleyball is a great cross training sport and is said to add a whole new dimension to the game of volleyball. In playing small-sided games you get a lot of touches on the ball, and learn to adapt to the environment as well as utilize tactics applied in other sports. You’ll learn the basic skills and strategies while having fun, getting great exercise, and enjoying the beauty of Turtle Bay. To cool off between games, you’ll want to take a dip in the 79-degree ocean water next to the courts. Bring a friend or a group of friends to enjoy learning more about the game, and then choose to play in an impromptu tournament. Join us on the beach where other mammals often come to play.

• 12:30 – 3:30 pm  Polynesian Games

Learn a variety of multicultural games from the Pacific island basin.  These games of skills, strength and strategy could be used for all grade levels Pre-K-12.  Experience cultural activities played by our Polynesian ancestors that have been modified for your students to enjoy.  These games and activities could also be used for SPED classes.  Come and join the fun in being active, local style.

Hotel Information

Turtle Bay Resort

• 1-800-203-3650, 1-866-827-5327
• Hawaii Residents: 808-293-6000
• Reservation link
  
• Click on the Group tab and enter the Group Code:  AHPE11
• Special Convention rate: $200 + $25 Resort Fee/day + taxes
• Convention rate extended three days pre/post convention

Registration Fees

Fees include Thursday Evening Social and the Saturday Awards Luncheon

Register online now for the SWD Convention.

Downloadable forms:

• Registration Form
• Presentation Proposal Form
• Exhibitor Information
• Exhibitor Registration
• Convention Tentative Program

While the costs for attending professional  conventions can be quite expensive, some participants have reduced their costs by bunking up with a roommate. Come visit HAHPERD on facebook and see who might be your roommate at the 2012 Southwest District Convention.

TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND THE 2012 SWD CONVENTION

10. There is a very good chance for blue skies and warm weather.

9. Turtles are fun to swim with.

8. Wearing shorts is expected.

7. Shake the hand of AAHPERD President Brad Strand.

6. Spend the afternoon playing beach volleyball with colleagues.

5. Spend the morning learning the techniques of Polynesian dance with colleagues.

4. Did we mention Turtle Bay Resort?

3. Three days of innovative discussion, topics, and sessions to learn from.

2. Sand between your toes.

And the #1 reason to Attend the 2012 SWD Convention … Eddie would go!

For details on available workshops and registration, click here.

Seldom does something move me as much as a story about a coach who is devoted to helping kids become responsible and productive citizens.

Such was the rush I experienced when I heard Saint Louis School’s announcement naming their new basketball court in honor of Walter Wong.  What a deserving tribute for a legendary basketball coach, especially as it comes from a football juggernaut.

Because basketball has always been my passion, I instantly thought of the Patron Saint of Hawaii Basketball – Dennis Agena.  Okay, Coach Agena hasn’t won five state titles, not even one state championship does he claim, but he has accomplished so much more.

My earliest recollection of Coach Agena goes back almost 30 years.  It was soon after I arrived on the North Shore that I learned about this man from Kalihi who teaches through a basketball bible.  Six years ago, Wes Nakama wrote an article that exposed Agena’s mantra, “If I can help someone improve and help with their growth—that’s my challenge.”

Without diminishing the accomplishments of Walter Wong or any other local basketball icon of yesteryear, in comparison to Agena, everyone else’s impact on Hawaii’s youth pales in contrast.  After 45 years of Agena doing his thing and making life-long impressions on literally thousands of basketball-happy kids, thus far, no movement has been initiated to honor the Patron Saint of Hawaii basketball.

The Pied Piper’s tune is heard weekly in our islands as aspiring players journey from all shores to find a Coach Agena clinic.  The kids are unaware of Agena’s paranormal influence.  They turn up seeking basketball knowledge and skills, but they leave with more because his messages, as well as his drills, are laced with habit-inducing instruction in life skills.

Just as the statue of Duke Kahanamoku belongs by the beach in Waikiki, a similar image of Coach Agena belongs outside a gymnasium that should bear his name.  When will a school board member, service club, or politician move to honor this public servant?  Surely, there has to be a politician in need of a worthy cause.  The time is overdue for a prominent figure to speak up and act.  Coach Agena’s unselfish contributions to generations of Hawaii’s citizens should not go unrecognized; let’s not procrastinate.

Agena’s passion reminds me of a passage from Pete Axthelem’s classic story The City Game, where he quotes a playground ballplayer from Harlem, “There’s a love of the game in this city that is very difficult to put into words.  You start off when you’re very young and you never get it out of your system.  You might get married to a woman, but basketball is still your first love.”

Years ago, Agena’s love for the game morphed into a life of service to children.  It is a life from which the state of Hawaii has benefited.  This is one of those rare moments when we are aware of someone in our midst who is responsible for doing so much good for so many of our most valued resource.  Ordinary citizens who do the work of saints don’t come along very often.

It would be easy to believe that Sena Jeter Naslund, author of Ahab’s Wife, also had someone else in mind when she wrote, “People cross our paths casually, when trumpets should blast. So it was with my first sighting of …”   Dennis Agena.

Chic Hess, Ed.D., is the author of “Prof Blood and the Wonder Teams: The True Story of Basketball’s First Great Coach”. 

by Sinu Patel, NASPE Dec 14, 2011

To foster excitement and visibility for this national education initiative, Let’s Move in School (LMIS) will once again take center stage at the AAHPERD National Convention & Exposition in Boston, March 13-17. Here are highlights of LMIS programs you won’t want to miss:

Let’s Move in School Second Annual Showcase The Second Annual LMIS Showcase will feature hundreds of Boston Public School students dancing to a hip hop piece set to music by Mozart choreographed by the National Dance Association’s Educator of the Year Cindy Jones. Physical educators from across the country are encouraged to view the instructional dance video on the AAHPERD YouTube page and teach it to their students for submission. The dance videos will be seen by thousands of physical educators at the convention.

Visit the Let’s Move in School/AAHPERD YouTube page in January to watch the video and for more information. The showcase would not be complete without celebrities and sponsor product demonstrations; both will be on hand inspiring students to keep physical activity an important priority in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Let’s Move-Let’s Dance in School! The National Dance Association (NDA) extends the phrase “Let’s Move in School” to Let’s Move-Let’s Dance in School!”with its workshop where physical educators will walk away knowing how to incorporate dance education as part of their school’s comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP); to increase physical activity before, during, and after school. At the end of the workshop, participants will receive a certification of completion.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the showcase this year. Incorporating dance into clubs and classes can be extremely valuable, not only in maintaining a healthy lifestyle but also in teaching students the importance of working with others. In addition, introducing social dances, such as Latin ballroom or the Viennese Waltz, reinforces etiquette, teaches history, and allow students to grow an appreciation for other cultures,” said Colleen Dean, NDA program manager.

One-day workshop includes:

Tips for Using LMIS Toolkits -The resources for creating a successful comprehensive school physical activity program are all there but how do you use them you ask? This is the session for you! Teachers will receive tips on how to utilize the physical education, school leaders and PTA/PTO toolkits and discuss ways to advocate for the CSPAP components, including quality physical education, physical activity before, during, and after school and family and community involvement. Plus, hear from an administrator’s point of view on what it takes to increase physical activity at school. Speakers include Georgi Roberts and Noah Drew.

Let’s Move in School with Physical Best … Helping America’s Students get FIT to ACHIEVE the five components of CSPAP! In this 75-minute session, physical educators will learn how to help their students make the connection between healthy and active students and academic achievement. Speakers include Nancy Raso Eklund and Ellen Abbadessa.

Let’s Move and Learn in School Geared towards K-6 educators, this session will inspire teachers to get students physically active while learning academic content at the same time. Some of the topics will include wellness choices, the human body, and the environment. Speakers include Lynn V. Johnson, Nate Mirke, Morgan O’Connell, Courtney LeCours, Sarah Tymula and Timothy Ellis.

Active Academics Get Elementary Kids “Moving More in School”  Similar to the above session, participants will get up and move and discover ways to integrate physical activity with other subject areas in elementary curriculum. Ideas presented in this session are part of the Active Academics website (activeacademics.org), a free resource developed by teachers for teachers. The activities showcased will be short lesson ideas that can be done in any space and by any teacher. Speakers include Eloise Elliott, Camille Ramsey, and Derek Belcher.

Let’s Move in School – from a State Perspective – Members of the Pennsylvania State AHPERD will share their success stories and blueprint for action.

Director of Physical Activity: A Certification Program for the Future! This session, which will provide an overview of CSPAP, LMIS, and an in-depth discussion of the DPA Certification Program, is perfect for physical educators who are interested in becoming a Director of Physical Activity for their school.  Physical educators will learn the knowledge base, skills, and attitude needed to implement a CSPAP. Speakers include Aaron Beighle, Darla Castelli, Russell L. Carson III, Georgi Roberts, Kim Ward, and Melanie Moore.

RESTON, VA December 14, 2011—The pivotal role physical activity professionals play in combating childhood obesity and shaping a healthier generation of people will be an underlying theme of the largest gathering of physical activity professionals, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) National Convention and Expo. AAHPERD along with the Eastern District Association and Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) will host the 127^th convention at the John B. Hynes Memorial Convention Center in downtown Boston, MA from March 13-17. Nearly 6,000 people from the profession are expected to attend the annual meeting.

The Second Annual Let’s Move in School Showcase, Thursday, March 15 at 11:30 am, will promote the importance of physical activity before, during, and after school. Hundreds of Boston Public School students will dance to a hip-hop piece choreographed by NDA Educator of the Year Cindy Jones. This year, physical activity professionals from all over the country can get their students involved by teaching them the choreographed piece and submitting a video on AAHPERD’s YouTube Page, seen by attendees throughout convention.

The AAHPERD General Session keynote speaker will be Jim Loehr, a world-renowned performance psychologist and co-founder of the Human Performance Institute who will discuss how strength encompasses all aspects of the human body; physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, and the role movement plays in a person’s well being. The AAHPERD General Session will be held Wednesday, March 14, at 8 am.

Kenneth Cooper, Founder and Chairman of the Cooper Aerobics Center, who is recognized as the leader of the international physical fitness movement and credited with motivating more people to exercise than any other person, will be speaking at the internationally recognized R. Tait McKenzie Memorial Lecture: The Texas Youth Evaluation Project, Wednesday, March 14, at 7 pm.

Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN,) will be the keynote speaker for the NASPE General Session, Thursday, March 15, at 10:15 am. Pfohl will discuss the Council’s 2012 new national media campaign featuring public service announcements with Council Co-Chairs Drew Brees and Dominique Dawes. The PSA’s aim to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of quality physical education programs in schools.

Mark Fenton, a National Public Health, Planning, and Transportation Consultant, former host of the America’s Walking series on PBS, and member of the U.S. National Racewalking team will be AAPAR’s General Session keynote speaker, Thursday, March 15 at 8:45 am.

Teena Murray, the Head Athletic Trainer for Olympic Sports at the University of Louisville and trainer for the Women’s U.S. Ice Hockey Team, will accept the NAGWS Guiding Women in Sport Award on Friday, March 16, at 12:30 pm.

In the world of dance, tap dance icon and choreographer, Diane Walker will attend the Heritage Breakfast Banquet, Saturday, March 17, at 8 am as the recipient of the 2012 Heritage Award.  Walker has been praised as the “Ella Fitzgerald of Tap Dance” in a 30-year career in Broadway, television, movies, and the international stage.

The following are highlights of some of the in-depth program sessions and workshops presented from the various associations: “Comprehensive School Physical Activity in Teacher Preparation: An Open Dialogue,” and “Director of Physical Activity: A Certification Program for the Future!” from NASPE, “Webinars 101: Strategies for Effective Webinars” from AAPAR, “Master Tap Class with Dianne Walker—‘Lady Di’,” “Dancing Wheels Master Class: New Approaches to Physically-Integrated Dance Training,” “Connecting Silos: Uniting Institutions for Healthy Schools & Com­mun­ities,” from AAHE, the 21^st Annual Raymond A. Weiss Lecture: “Media Representation of Female Athletes: The Good, the Bad and the Sexy” from the Research Consortium, and “Rope Jumping for Fun and Fitness” from Jump Rope for Heart.

Notable sponsors for the 2012 convention include Hershey Track & Field Games, ING Run for Something Better, Konami, PlayCore, Playworld Systems, Reebok and the United States Tennis Association.

For more schedule information on program sessions, workshops, networking events, and a list of more than 300 exhibitors, visit the 2012 convention page.

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a Research Consortium, provides its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support, and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. It is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. AAHPERD serves 20,000 members and has its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, 25 miles west of Washington DC. For more information, visit www.aahperd.org.

With support from a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), AAPAR seeks participants for a train-the-trainer workshop that will prepare you to instruct other teachers on how to use a fun, effective, instructionally sound bicycle safety curriculum. This curriculum will help reduce bicycle crashes due to rider behavior, increase physical fitness, promote an energy-efficient means of transportation, and increase the numbers of children and, eventually, adults, who safely and enjoyably ride bicycles.

Who are we looking for?

AAPAR is seeking participants for a train-the-trainer workshop that will prepare you to instruct other teachers on how to use a fun, effective, instructionally sound bicycle safety curriculum. Upon completion of the train-the-trainer workshop, participants will be expected to conduct one (1) training workshop in their home area.

1. You are a physical education teacher, a HPERD faculty member, or a recreation specialist.
2. You have access to bikes and a safe place conduct a training workshop in your home area.
3. You have the support of your administration to use your bikes and facilities to conduct a workshop.
4. You already have some experience teaching safe bicycling and/or conducting training workshops for other teachers.
5. You are an AAHPERD member. (To join, go to www.AAHPERD.org)

What are the expectations of the participant?

1. Attend and successfully complete a day-long train-the-trainer workshop on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 8AM to 5PM at the AAHPERD National Convention and Expo (Heinz Convention Center: Exhibit Hall A).
2. Conduct one training workshop with ten (10) participants in your home area between March and August 1, 2012.
3. Provide written feedback evaluating the train-the-trainer workshop and provide written feedback about your workshop training experience.

Complete Application Details

Application deadline: Friday, February 10, 2012 at 12:00PM EST

Receive high quality professional development without leaving your computer!
Register today!