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Innovative Teaching Practices in
Physical Education for
Diverse K-12 Schools
AAHPERD National Convention, St. Louis, MO
April 1, 2014
Speakers: Physical Education Diversity
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Kathy Davis, Winthrop University, SC
Rhonda Clements, Manhattanville College, NY
Ani Frank, DePaul University, IL
Martha James, Towson University, MD
Floyd Jones, West Virginia University, WV
Kevin Richards, Purdue University, IN
John Strong, Niagara Community College, NY,
Brian Culp, Indiana University Purdue University, IN
Why Learn About Diversity?
Schools are “mirror image” of society
 Gap between teachers’ backgrounds
and students’ backgrounds
 Teachers “sort” students
 Poor treatment = lack of success
You communicate your values/beliefs through
what you say, what you do, how you do it!!!
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PETE Programs:
Integration and Single Class
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Adapted Physical Education course
Diversity Enrichment course – specific to physical
education teaching issues:
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race, gender, ethnicity, disability, poverty/homelessness,
religion, sexual orientation, obesity, low skill ability, etc.
Integration – methods courses, education core courses
Physical education teacher in schools wears many
“hats” – social issues are inherent in physical activity
Positive Effects of Diversity
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Leads to successful
“Minds are like
interactions with teachers,
parachutes.
family, friends, peers
They only function when
Student satisfaction with
they are open.”
school
Sir James
Dewar
Preparation to function in
a pluralistic society
Cognitive development
and academic success
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Accepting Differences
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Avoid judgments based on external characteristics.
Cultivate relationships with people of different
cultures, races, perspectives, and ages.
Educate yourself and others.
Be sensitive to the needs of others.
Listen to perspectives that challenge yours.
Look for common ground.
Help other people no matter how different they are.
Explore your own background, beliefs, and identity.
Awareness of Bias
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Cultural “script”
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How we do things and say things
Helps us to deal with others who have
different “scripts”
Most teachers are unaware of biases
Activity: Culture Clips
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Teachers learning about their own cultures,
backgrounds is first step in awareness
Cultural concept map/collage
Major Points About Diversity
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Greatest similarity – our common humanity
 Greatest difference – how we are treated
We ALL want the same things out of life
People learn biases; they can be “unlearned”
Greatest differences – within groups, not between
groups
Teachers – intervene in situations involving diversity