With 54 fourth graders leading the way the loss of PE could lead to an amazing success story. Using a number of technology-driven "exergames" and a computer peripheral called the FootPOWR, these students are adding 50-150 minutes of physical activity to their learning day. They are not only gaining fitness and vurning calories, they are increasing their academic success, improving behavior and attendance. This is exactly what U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has on his "wish list."
U.S. Schools will have a chance this fall to compete for part of $650 million in new "innovation" funds that are intended to reward districts that have integrated innovations that are effective, scalable programs for boosting student achievement, improving struggling schools, retaining top-notch teachers and increasing graduation rates. In Oregon we are watching one Redmond school particularly closely. At Tom McCall Elementary students are taking the reins and helping to implement a program that could fill the bill for innovation and improvement.
With up to $50 million per award for Grow What Works grants for proven programs that are ready to expand, the ExerLearning Lab and TEAM e3 in the Redmond District could fuel some substantial funding for an economically struggling state. If you are connected in any way with education, teaching, fitness, wellness or technology innovation in Oregon we invite you to contact us with your ideas, questions, comments or support.
Comments