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

2. 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.

3. How common are sport schools?
82% of German Olympic medals from 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
Sport Academies in Alberta

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

5. Sports Academies

6. 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.)

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Schools Offering Sports Academies in Alberta

11. 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)

12. 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)

13. High School Credits in Sports Academies

14. 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

15. 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))

16. From an Academy Handbook…

17. 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.”

18. 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?

19. Questions
Thank you!
Daniel Balderson, Ph.D.