Physical Education
Please describe the PE program at Dawson.
The PE program at Dawson is set around an AISD curriculum, but we explore options to help find the students (and families) activities that get them active and exercising but are having fun at the same time. Exercise should not be a scary word. And they should find something that they can they enjoy and can continue with for their lifetime.
What kinds of sports do the children play?
We work on the skills of Throwing/Catching, basketball, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Soccer and striking. All of the skills in each of these units can also be moved into other games and activities.
In addition to movement, what else do you teach the children?
We have a very in-depth curriculum including Cardiovascular Endurance and Anatomy, bones, muscles, Tobacco Awareness, Nutrition, Muscular Strength and Endurance, Stress Management and Safety.
What is the President’s Challenge Fitness test?
We no longer do the PCFA. We (Texas) now use the FitnessGram Fitness Testing. Grades 3-12 are tested at the beginning and end of each year. The tests are the PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run), curl-ups, push-ups, sit and reach test, trunk lift, and height and weight. https://www.austinisd.org/academics/physicalhealtheducation/fitnessgram
What types of activities are geared towards obese and overweight students?
We don't necessarily gear activities specifically for obese or overweight children. All activities are designed in a way for every student to be successful at participating, just as they would be for any student with a particular disability or health issue. Activities have different levels for each student to be able to challenge themselves.
Are all children required to participate?
Yes, all children are required to participate, unless they have there is a district-required medical restriction form on file.
Do the students have P.E. every day?
Students are on a three-day "Specials" rotation with Music, Art and P.E. So sometimes students will come to P.E. twice a week, sometimes only once.
How long is the P.E. class?
PE class is 45 minutes long.
Does recess count as P.E.?
Recess does NOT count as P.E. time. P.E. is meant to be structured activity time. The State of Texas requires all students to have 135 minutes of structured activity time a week. Since they only come to P.E. for 45-90 minutes a week, the rest of the time is completed by classroom teachers either outside playing structured games (Working Out for Wellness (Wow) time or indoors doing Brain Breaks or dance activities.
What is recess?
Recess is unstructured play allowing students to choose to engage in physical activity or any other outdoor activities of their choice. Recess is scheduled 30 minutes daily.
What is WOW?
Working Out for Wellness (WOW) is physical activity time structured and lead by classroom teachers such as: Marathon Kids, organized games, or GoNoodle activities that are 10-20 minutes in duration during inclement weather. WOW is scheduled for 20 minutes on Music and Art days, and PE days when PE falls on a Wednesday.
Is P.E. class always in the gym?
The majority of the time, yes. Sometimes class time is done outside on the track for endurance days, or for games out in the field. Physical education class is never on the playground.
Do you integrate fitness goals into daily/weekly P.E. class? How?
The biggest goal I stress is just to improve on yourself. The students that participate in the FitnessGram testing set goals to improve on the final score from their beginning score.
How can I determine whether my child is obese?
Going to a doctor with health concerns is always the best answer. There are calculations you can use to help determine your child's Body Mass Index (BMI), but those can be confusing and not always the most accurate. Students that participate in the FitnessGram testing do receive a printout of their scores to take home for parents to review.
AISD’s Physical and Health Education Mission Statement.
Austin Independent School District’s Physical Education and Health Departments educate students to become lifelong learners of health and wellness by participating in activities that develop behaviors which encourage healthy decision-making, appropriate social skills, and lifelong physical fitness in and outside of the educational setting to pursue a lifetime of healthful physical activity, a physically literate individual:
- HAS learned skills necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and physical activity;
- KNOWS the implications of and the benefits from involvement in physical activities;
- DOES include healthy habits including physical activity in daily life;
- IS fit, healthy and ready to learn;
- VALUES physical activity and health as they relate to a healthful lifestyle.
Please contact Charlotte Edwards for more information: 512.414.2070.