|Physical Education - preparing teachers to make a difference|

Graduate Program Objectives

The objectives of the M.S.Ed. Program in Physical Education for the concentrations of curriculum and instruction, adaptive physical education, and coaching and pedigogy focus on the synthesis of three areas: curriculum design, effective teaching practice and assessment.  The program is a natural extension of studies begun at the undergraduate level and applied in the authentic settings of student teaching and initial teaching experience.

Graduate students are encouraged to see themselves as both scholars and professionals, thus deepening and refining their understanding of physical education and teaching. 

The program has the following objectives:

1. To engage students in a comprehensive review of the body of literature in physical education.
2. To inform students of research methodology and research design appropriate for the field of physical education.
3. To have students become familiar with current research findings on teacher effectiveness.
4. To have students consider methods of curricular innovation and change, and to experience the process of curriculum construction.
5. To have students become competent in current assessment techniques used to reflectively analyze the art and science of teaching.
6. To have students become competent in current curriculum assessment techniques used to critically analyze curriculum.
7. To have students develop effective communication skills in order to articulate issues regarding quality physical education programs in both the local and school community.
8. To provide students with advocacy strategies designed to improve physical education programs.
9. To provide students with the skills necessary to promote public understanding of how quality physical education contributes to the quality of an individual’s life and ultimately contributes to society at large.
10. 1To provide students with an understanding of the critical link between theory and practice in the school, providing them with strategies to apply these linkages.
11. 1To provide students with opportunities to utilize the latest technological methods available for physical educators for use in assessment, curriculum construction and the analysis of teaching.
12. To provide students with an appreciation of diversity, including different cultures, abilities and beliefs, in order to impact their professional practice in the school environment.
13. To have students become familiar with state, national, and international standards regarding quality physical education and adapted physical education programs.