Mission Statement and Philosophy Statement Step 2

Overview – Mission Statement A mission statement is a carefully reasoned analysis of the core values of a school/program and what it aspires to be. It should: Align with the remainder of the curriculum (no contradictions) Clearly delineate a school’s focus (i.e. fostering lifetime activity, building basic skills, improving fitness…many others Be concise, like explaining who you are in 50 words or less (there are 87 words on this page). Avoid cliché language, i.e., “Students and faculty will interact in a rich differentiated environment…” The mission statement provides a clear sense of direction around which goals and objectives can be developed.

Examples Physical Education is based upon the acquisition of knowledge and skills that are the foundation for engaging in physical activity.   The mission of Physical Education is to empower all students to sustain regular, lifelong physical activity as a foundation for a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life.  Physical Education is a sequential educational program.  It is based on physical activities undertaken in an active, caring, supportive, and non-threatening atmosphere in which every student is challenged and successful. 

Examples The mission of the physical education program of Harpeth Valley Elementary is to provide quality instructional physical education so children can develop motor skills that will serve as the foundation for active lifestyles. Children with competence in skills a positive physical activity experiences will choose to be actively involved in recreational and leisure sports leading to health-enhancing lifestyles. We also believe that participation in physical education provides an opportunity for continuous development for each individual's physical, mental, social and emotional capabilities in order to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Examples The mission of the Physical Education program in the School District of Lancaster is to develop students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for leading a healthy and active lifestyle through a comprehensive K-12 curriculum.

Examples The process of education requires the integration of psychomotor, cognitive, and affective learning. As a part of this process, the physical education content area establishes the competencies and skills necessary for all O’Fallon Township High School students to be physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally educated. These skills are sequentially planned, standards’ based, achievable, and measurable. They follow current research guidelines regarding fitness/wellness and motor skill acquisition and cannot be achieved by mere random, willing participation. The mission of quality daily physical education is to provide a sequentially planned program that is measurable and results in students who have learned skills and acquired knowledge necessary to perform a variety of physical activities, are physically fit; participate regularly in physical activity, know the implications of and the benefits derived from involvement in physical activities, and value physical activity and its contributions to a healthy lifestyle.

Keep in Mind The purpose of physical education as described by NASPE, your national body, in the national standards is to develop a physically active lifestyle (2004). This concept should play a role in both your mission and philosophy statement

Philosophy Statement

What is a philosophy? A developed statement, which expounds guiding ideologies established in the mission statement with regards to goals, standards, values and beliefs. There is not a set formula for what constitutes a philosophy statement. Ohio State guide to writing a mission statement

Mission Philosophy Goals Objectives

Possible Components Options: Must include four of the following (each in separate paragraph) Recapsulate your mission statement or start with what the purposes of your program are Why students need PE and the benefits gained thereof. Why do you think these purposes are worth including in a school program? How do you think these purposes are best accomplished in the context of your school? Conceptualization of teaching and learning How learning occurs and how teachers can facilitate the learning Generic goals for students (specific ones come later). Often cognitive, psychomotor, and affective or may be link to the CT standards Implementation of the philosophy How one's concepts about teaching and learning and goals for students are translated into action (models, activities, intramurals). Assessment How do you know your students are achieving curricular goals Personal growth plan. Growth in teaching over the years, what challenges exist at the present, and what long-term goals are projected. Specific populations Adapted, low SES, minority, urban

Examples Elementary (CS) Middle (CS) High School (CS) Parsipany, NJ Solvay, NY Lots of examples on the web: http://www.123helpme.com/search.asp?text=Philosophy+of+Education&page=5 Google search

Examples The West Allegheny School District Physical Education Curriculum reflects the philosophical orientation and instructional recommendations advocated by the National Association for Physical Education (NASPE). Physical education addresses the development of students’ physical potential and their related social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Its primary purpose is to assist the learner in developing: • total physical fitness and a desire to maintain it • movement abilities ranging from functional life skills to those needed for successful participation in leisure activities • safety awareness • an appreciation and understanding of specific sports and dances The mastery of these objectives promotes the development of wellness skills which enable students to lead full, productive, and healthy lives. Research completed by the National Association for Physical Education (NASPE) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that there is a direct relationship between academic achievement and fitness. Movement, physical activity, and exercise enhance the learning state for memory retention and retrieval. As such, physical activity is a catalyst for learning in all content areas and should be an essential element of students’ daily routines.

Example It is the goal of Howell Township Public Schools "to promote good health and physical activities as a means to enhance the self-esteem of our students, and to allow the mind and body to grow more fully." (Howell Township Strategic Plan, 2005) As a department, it is the belief that health and physical education is an integral part of the elementary (K-8) curriculum. The Health and Physical Department (HPE) strives to meet the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of the child through a wide variety of experiences and activities. It is through the utilization of individual and group activities that the physical education program provides a prescription for all children to learn. The curriculum is organized to include a planned progression of skills and activities to provide maximum growth for all children at every level. Through participation this progression encourages the development of fundamental skills, cardiovascular awareness and fitness, individual responsibility, self-discipline, and respect for the feelings of others. The development of the curriculum will enhance leadership qualities and the productive use of leisure time to meet the demands of a changing society. The health and physical education program is committed to developing within each child's capabilities and needs a sense of success and accomplishment. Our philosophy holds that appropriate teaching in health and physical education contributes to a healthy lifestyle by providing opportunities to develop the resources of the mind and body.

Tasks Develop a mission and philosophy statement for your school. step 2