Phillip Ward

Purpose : This study examined how physical education preservice teachers (PSTs) developed adaptive skills in the planning of the lessons in the 5 weeks of an introductory physical education method course using the practice-based teacher education framework. Method : Twenty-two PSTs edited three lesson plans over the 5 weeks. A total of 150 lesson plans were analyzed using descriptive statistics to explore (a) the total number of adaptations, (b) the total number of adaptations made to core practices, and (c) the types of adaptations. Findings : The PSTs made a wide-ranged number of adaptations from lesson plan one to three (one [median = 38.50, range 6–101]; two [median = 49.00, range 14–184]; three [median = 38.00, range 18–97]). They made adaptations most frequently in providing clear instruction and type two adaptations (refine). Conclusions : The results support the use of pedagogical approaches within the practice-based teacher education framework effective in developing PSTs’ adaptive competence in lesson plans.

Purpose : There is little known about the state of teacher education programs in this field. The aim of this article is to provide a descriptive analysis of physical education and health education teacher education programs in the United States. Method : Using published curriculums, a census of active undergraduate teacher education programs and a more in-depth analysis of one program from each state based on interviews with program coordinators was conducted. Findings : Data are reported across nine categories: (a) institution and program classifications, (b) degree designations, (c) degree and major’s hours, (d) enrollment, (e) program status and trends, (f) admission and graduation requirements, (g) curricular time, (h) faculty demographics, and (i) health education. Conclusions : The data show that there is a broad interpretation of what counts as physical and health teacher education in terms of curriculum, and there are significant and pressing challenges for the field to address moving forward.