State Standards Comparison
My background in physical education is diverse. I have experience teaching each grade level, ranging from primary to high school (K-12). I chose to evaluate fifth grade because I feel middle school is a critical time of development for students. I currently reside in Arkansas so I decided to analyze the similarities and differences between Arkansas' and it's neighboring state Texas' fifth grade physical education frameworks. I also compared the overall themes and areas of emphasis for both programs.
The first difference I noticed was Texas' dedication to vertically aligned curriculum. The TAHPERD (Texas Physical Education Framework) designed their standards according to TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills).
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Sportsmanship
PEL 5.5.1
Understand proper attitudes toward winning and losing in a physical activity setting
(e.g., maintain self-control, demonstrate sportsmanship, walk away from an altercation) A striking difference is Arkansas' omission of motor skills in fifth grade and beyond. According to Arkansas' frameworks basic motor skills and movement patters should be proficient by the end of fourth grade. Texas still accounts for basic motor skills but at a more advanced level. Texas also considers jumping rope an essential loco motor skill for 5th grade.
Another difference was Texas specification for teamwork and relationships. For example Arkansas' frameworks identify 3 on 3 basketball concepts under spatial awareness. Texas frameworks' identify the concept under the movement strand and relationship theme. Texas specifies an entire strand for social development based on safety, cooperation and respect, and goal setting. Arkansas' frameworks identify one content strand as social behavior. The social behavior has one framework which discourages bullying and encourages respect. Texas also dedicated an entire topic to safety. Texas requires its students to learn about equipment and personal safety. Texas also requires the students to demonstrate
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Arkansas' health related fitness strand requires student's to participate in a nationally recognized fitness assessment. Arkansas' frameworks were also more specific in the areas of personal and community health. The health and wellness strand contained content covering hygiene, oral health, communicable diseases and violence. Arkansas also designated an entire standard for drug abuse and prevention. This standard covered alcohol, medication, and tobacco. The frameworks also called for a specific standard dedicated to prevention and refusal skills and prevention strategies. Texas' frameworks covered substance abuse briefly. Texas' substance abuse theme was more related to the affect smoking or drugs/alcohol can have on fitness and the ability to perform an