ADVOCATING for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Bev Martin Chair, Advocacy Committee Jeff Jacobs Chair, Professional Outreach Member, Legislative Committee Supervision/Coordination And Professional Preparation Meeting PaTTAN, Harrisburg October 15, 2015

Never Say, “Never” There are three things in life I said I would never do: 1.) sell insurance 2.) sell real estate 3.) be involved in advocacy

We want more PE! I thought advocacy was being a radical!

Give me more Health and Physical Education or give me death! I thought advocacy had to do with being a rebel or revolutionary!

What Is Advocacy? Advocacy is simply …… educating others educating others conveying an opinion conveying an opinion

“Whenever you do a thing, act as “Whenever you do a thing, act as if the whole world were watching.” if the whole world were watching.” ~Thomas Jefferson ~Thomas Jefferson

We are All Advocates Whether we realize it or not, each of us is an advocate for the profession in some way. Whether we realize it or not, each of us is an advocate for the profession in some way. We are advocating each and every day when we teach our classes, represent our departments, talk with parents, etc. We are advocating each and every day when we teach our classes, represent our departments, talk with parents, etc.

Part of Advocating is Educating Yourself on the issues. on the issues. on your state’s Health and Physical Education requirements. on your state’s Health and Physical Education requirements. laws, rules, guidelines, legislation, etc. laws, rules, guidelines, legislation, etc. Note: When Budgets are tight! Note: When Budgets are tight!

Today’s Objective We would like to familiarize you with some of this information so whatever we do or say as Health and Physical Educators, we can all speak and advocate with one voice.

House Resolution 112 Introduced by Representative Harry Readshaw on February 24, 2015 Status: In the House Education Committee PDE does not permit waivers from requirements of the PA Academic Standards in Health, Safety and Physical Education Schools are violating Chapter 4 by allowing participation in interscholastic sports, band or ROTC to count as part of the planned instruction in PE Urges that all instruction and assessment in health and physical education in grades 7-12 be provided by teachers certified in health and physical education Urges PDE to prohibit participation in physical activity to count for planned instruction in physical education

House Resolution 243 Introduced April 15, 2013 Amended May 13, 2013 Introduced April 15, 2013 Amended May 13, 2013 Directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the issue of childhood obesity, to establish an advisory committee to conduct a comprehensive study of childhood obesity, to propose strategies for healthier eating and physical activity for children and to report to the House of Representatives with its findings, recommendations and legislation. Sponsor: Representative Seth Grove – 196 th District – York County Co-Sponsor: Representative Harry A. Readshaw – 36 th District – Allegheny County

House Bill 885 Introduced by Representative Tim Briggs on April 6, Status: In the House Education Committee School entities shall develop, expand or improve policies for: - active commuting to school - joint use agreements to use school facilities for physical activities Physical Activity - 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every school day - 20 minutes of recess per day for elementary and middle school levels - 20 minute physical activity break per day for the secondary level - duration of physical activity must be sufficient to result in health benefit - physical activity cannot be withheld for disciplinary reasons - physical activity cannot substitute for physical education - sedentary time must not exceed two hours Physical Education - physical education for every student every year minutes per week for the elementary level minutes per week for the middle and secondary levels - at least 50% of PE time must be moderate to vigorous - PE curriculum must address the PA Academic Standards - student/teacher ratio must be comparable with other classes - needs of all students must be met - PE taught by highly qualified PE teachers - safe and adequate space/facilities Assessment - specific level of fitness cannot be used as a grading tool - develop a plan to assess the quality of the physical activity and physical education programs

How can you advocate? Educate yourself on the issues and your state’s health and physical education requirements. Educate yourself on the issues and your state’s health and physical education requirements. Look for opportunities to get involved. Look for opportunities to get involved. Never turn down an opportunity. Never turn down an opportunity. Do not get discouraged. Change takes time. Do not get discouraged. Change takes time.

What do we do to advocate? Educate ourselves Educate ourselves Involved with professional organizations Involved with professional organizations Participate in “SPEAK Out Days” Participate in “SPEAK Out Days” We write articles We write articles

Recommended Videos “No Excuses” “No Excuses” “5 More Years” “5 More Years” “Fed-up!” “Fed-up!”

Thank you for attending! Please feel free to contact us at anytime at or This presentation is available on Jeff’s Professional Website.