Sport Academies and the Physical Education Curriculum Presentation to CUPR at the 2012 PHE Canada Conference May 10th, 2012 Halifax, NS Daniel Balderson, Ph.D. University of Lethbridge

Sports in the Schools? Across Canada schools are providing sport specific options for students during regular school hours. These school sponsored programs are called sport academies or sport schools.

How common are sport schools? 82% of German Olympic medals from 2001-2004 were won by current or former sport school student athletes 10% of Canada’s Olympic (2006) team had or were attending a sport school 135 Sport Academies in Alberta 40-50 are found in rural communities 2005- 2 Sport Academies in Alberta

Types of Academies 1) Elite Development (22) 2) Sports Excellence (3) Fees range from $2500 - $30,000/ year 2) Sports Excellence (3) No Additional fees 3) General Skill Development (117) fees range from no cost to 12,500/ year

Sports Academies

School may start an academy to: Increase enrollment Attractiveness Student Retention/Engagement (keep grades up to participate) Bridge to the Community Local Expertise Engage Teachers 95% of Academies involve the community is some way (coaching, facilitates, volunteering, etc.)

Students may choose to attend an academy school because Seeking Post-Secondary Scholarships/ Professional Opportunities Skill Development during a crucial period Coaching (professional, paid) Motivation Flexibility to gain an education and develop athletically Flexible with missing class for competition

How do they work? Students enroll in core classes for part of the day (typically the morning). Then in sport specific classes in the afternoon Course credit is given for afternoon sport specific training Locally approved and administered

Descriptive Study Study took place from May 2011- March 2012 Information obtained on Academies via: On Line Survey, Phone Interviews, Website Analysis 93 Schools/organizations in Alberta that offer 135 Sport Academy options Split evenly between High School and Junior High

Schools Offering Sports Academies in Alberta

Credit? 18/29 Schools offer high school credits for participation in a Sports Academy/ Sport Program 11 High Schools offer sport academies but do not award credit Most middle school academies provide credit (option credit)

Credit Possibilities No Credit,1 Credit, 3 Credits, 5 Credits, 10, Credits, 15 Credits (100 needed to graduate in Alberta) CTS Credits (Career and Technological Studies- Sports Performance, Sports Nutrition, Sports Medicine, Coaching- 1 credit each) Physical Education Credits (PE 10, PE 20, PE 30) Sports Performance 15,25,35 (Now in CTS) Religion Credit (moral, character development)

High School Credits in Sports Academies

Results Students may receive up to 1/3 of their credits (100 total) for participation in the Academy 70% of Academies use the mandatory High School Physical Education course to receive credits

From an Academy Handbook… Physical Education 10– In this course, which is taught on campus, students are involved in developing their physical skills, leadership and social skills by participating in a variety of active living activities that incorporate individual activities, fitness elements, team sports, traditional dance and cooperative games. Students will also complete an Alberta Education mandated CPR component. (5 credits))

From an Academy Handbook…

Describe what PE is like for your Academy Students… “Same as for any other student” “Mostly games...not much structure” “Probably a breeze compared to what happens on ice” “Students are placed in levels within the academy mainly by skill level. Some PE 10 students are in the entry level or intermediate as well sr class. Off ice is all the same (Sports Perf) but on ice is different depending on the level you are in. More intense with higher classes.”

Results Academies are different in many ways Relationship to Academics no different Marked increase in Academies across Canada the past 10 years With Physical Education involved, what is our position? Should guidelines be developed?

Questions Thank you! Daniel Balderson, Ph.D. daniel.balderson@uleth.ca