Funding foR physical education: Make 'Em smart before you make 'em mad Pt 2
In my last blog, I wrote about ESSA and advised to "Make friends before you need 'em." Today, the message is to "Make 'em smart before you make 'em mad". Sharing information, your plans, and your needs assessments could help pave your way, especially if aligned to priorities, standards, and other subjects.
I would bet just by reading my last blog about HPE being part of ESSA, you know more than many Principals and Superintendents and most teachers. Sharing the news that Health and Physical Education are now part of the 50 year old federal education law is getting out slowly. And, many folks are only focused on Title IV. However, being listed as part of the "well rounded education" allows schools to spend any of the title money in HPE anywhere it lists "well rounded education" is appropriate. So Title I, typically used for accountability and core subjects, can now be expanded to include Health and PE. The focus of the Titles didn't change, only what subjects have access to it. I know of one district recently who just ordered equipment from that pot of funding. However, you have to pave the way with strong curriculum and with finance officers as they are not aware this is allowed either. (Make friends before you need 'em).
Title II is for professional development and well rounded education is a focus there also. Here you really need to "Make 'em smart" so that Principals know and plan for your professional development.
Finally, where funds will go will also depend on school improvement plans which will be based on needs assessments, and the accountability programs. Luckily, this accountability system calls for one "non academic" item opens the door for many possibilities in HPE. You should check with your state department of education to see if this is a possibility. Many states have their drafts posted already. Advocacy is extremely important. You can also check with your American Heart Association or state AHPERD organizations as they are working on this in many states.
These sound bites may help; however, if I can help your district or state, feel free to contact me. Meanwhile, here are two other great resources:
Resources at the bottom of page at ASCD
http://www.ascd.org/public-policy/essa-updates.aspx
Help continue to advocate for funding and see your state toolkit here!
http://www.shapeamerica.org/advocacy/
I would bet just by reading my last blog about HPE being part of ESSA, you know more than many Principals and Superintendents and most teachers. Sharing the news that Health and Physical Education are now part of the 50 year old federal education law is getting out slowly. And, many folks are only focused on Title IV. However, being listed as part of the "well rounded education" allows schools to spend any of the title money in HPE anywhere it lists "well rounded education" is appropriate. So Title I, typically used for accountability and core subjects, can now be expanded to include Health and PE. The focus of the Titles didn't change, only what subjects have access to it. I know of one district recently who just ordered equipment from that pot of funding. However, you have to pave the way with strong curriculum and with finance officers as they are not aware this is allowed either. (Make friends before you need 'em).
Title II is for professional development and well rounded education is a focus there also. Here you really need to "Make 'em smart" so that Principals know and plan for your professional development.
Finally, where funds will go will also depend on school improvement plans which will be based on needs assessments, and the accountability programs. Luckily, this accountability system calls for one "non academic" item opens the door for many possibilities in HPE. You should check with your state department of education to see if this is a possibility. Many states have their drafts posted already. Advocacy is extremely important. You can also check with your American Heart Association or state AHPERD organizations as they are working on this in many states.
These sound bites may help; however, if I can help your district or state, feel free to contact me. Meanwhile, here are two other great resources:
Resources at the bottom of page at ASCD
http://www.ascd.org/public-policy/essa-updates.aspx
Help continue to advocate for funding and see your state toolkit here!
http://www.shapeamerica.org/advocacy/
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