Elementary School Practices Fall Short of National Recommendations for Diet and Physical Activity

New Report Highlights Changes Needed to Support Healthy Eating and Physical Activity in U.S. Elementary Schools

Elementary school practices fall short of national recommendations for diet and physical activity.

A comprehensive new report from Bridging the Gap and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that elementary schools across the nation commonly offer their students junk food and soda, serve meals that don’t meet current dietary guidelines, and provide little time for physical activity.

The report, School Policies and Practices to Improve Health and Prevent Obesity: National Elementary School Survey Results, examined practices that affect nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention for tens of millions of students. Its conclusions are critical for informing the Child Nutrition Reauthorization legislation, including policies related to competitive foods and school meals.

Among the key findings from the 2007–08 school year:

• Nearly two-thirds of public elementary school students were able to purchase competitive foods or beverages on campus. These items, sold or served outside of school meal programs, often included soda, candy, cookies and french fries.
• Meals served through the National School Lunch Program often included higher-fat items such as pizza, french fries, and 2% or whole milk.
• Only 20 percent of public school third-graders were offered daily physical education, and only 18 percent were offered at least 150 minutes of weekly physical education, as recommended by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

More here

http://www.rwjf.org/files/research/bridgingthegap20101123mongraphrevised.pdf

http://www.rwjf.org/files/research/btg201006.pdf

http://www.rwjf.org/files/research/64429companionbrief.pdf

Teacher Professional Development Website

The Teacher Professional Development Network of Central New York, a non-profit, grant-funded group based in the School of Education at SUNY Cortland, is proud to announce the unveiling of its new website found at:

http://www.cnyteacherpdnetwork.org

This website provides an up-to-date listing of teacher professional development activities in our region.   Teachers of all grades and subjects will find events presented by museums, Universities, BOCES, school districts and many other community organizations.

The goal of the Teacher Professional Development Network of Central New York  is to support the professional development needs of schools in our area and help connect educators with professional development opportunities.  This site provides a place where all kinds of community organizations can publicize their teacher professional development events and teachers can find workshops that are convenient and relevant to their needs.

So whether you are looking to list a professional development activity that you are offering - or searching for some professional development opportunities for the preservice or inservice teachers with whom you are working - take some time to visit http://www.cnyteacherpdnetwork.org 

SUNY Cortland NYSAHPERD

Today we hosted our 30th "Mini-Conference"but it was the second year of holding it in conjunction with NYSAHPERD Southern Zone.  With a diverse selection of presenters and topics, we were able to really capture the spirit of teaching through the physical.   It was a really well organized and run and besides the typical presentations, there were also apparel sales, used equipment and supplies sale, and vendors here at SUNY Cortland. From salsa lessons to exergaming, disc golf to fencing, and workshops for administrators and Special Olympics, there was always plenty to do, see, hear, and absorb.  Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the PE Majors Club and Dr. Malmberg, to all the presenters and to you for attending - if only virtually.  See You Next Year!

Job Posting: Naples Central School

Job Posting:
Full Time Position - Physical Education

Naples Central School
136 North Main Street
Naples, NY 14512

Starting Date: September 1, 2010

Preferred Qualifications:
1. Holds appropriate New York Certificate and Licenses
2. Additional Health Teacher Certification desired
3. Has the ability to coordinate planning and work cooperatively with staff, parents and administration.
4. Loves kids.
5. Good communication skills.
6. Good sense of Humor

Application Procedure:
By August 27, 2010, send a resume, copies of certification and the candidates placement folder, including transcripts and letters of reference to:

Mrs. Kimberle A. Ward,
Superintendent
136 North Main Street
Naples, NY 14512

Physical Education Is An Academic Subject

Be sure to grab this latest NASPE Advocacy paper "Physical Education Is An Academic Subject". It is imperative that you start to collect your tools to support our profession and your future job.

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• States Requiring PE, But Amount Varies (huffingtonpost.com)

12 P.E. Student-Teachers Honored with Lenore K. Alway/Anthony P. Tesori Awards

06/07/2010 

Twelve senior physical education majors at SUNY Cortland were recognized with Lenore K. Alway/Anthony P. Tesori Awards for their outstanding work in student teaching in New York state schools during the Spring 2010 semester.

Physical Education Department faculty members nominated seven women and five men for the recognition. Each student received a certificate.

The Alway Award, given to women, recognizes the late pioneering head of women’s physical education at the College from 1941 to 1965. The men’s Tesori Award honors the 1939 graduate who gave the College many years of leadership in athletics and administrative areas and earned the College’s C- Club Hall of Fame Award for his achievements before and after graduation.

The Alway Award honorees and the schools or school districts where they completed their student teaching are as follows:

• Courteny Hammond of Green Island, N.Y., at Lansing (N.Y.) Central School District and Ithaca (N.Y.) City School District.

• Taylor Houseman of Rushford, N.Y., at Lansing (N.Y.) Central School District and McGraw (N.Y.) Central School District.

• Alanna Cooney of Binghamton, N.Y., at Vestal (N.Y.) Central School District and Johnson City (N.Y.) Central School District.

• Stephanie Melkin of Seaford, N.Y., at Massapequa (N.Y.) School District and Freeport (N.Y.) Union Free School District.

• Miranda Lustig of Patchogue, N.Y., at Cortland (N.Y.) City School District and Tully (N.Y.) Central School District.

• Alyse Valentini of New Fairfield, Conn., at Port Chester (N.Y.) Union Free School District and Pelham (N.Y.) Union Free School District.

• Kathryn Dylag of Williamsville, N.Y., at Sweet Home Central School District in Amherst, N.Y.

The Tesori Award honorees and the schools or school districts where they completed their student teaching are as follows:

• Jeremiah Retzlaff of Troy, N.Y., at New York City Geographical Districts #28 and #24.                                                     

• Russell Stephens of Wayland, N.Y., at Cincinnatus (N.Y.) Central School District and Marcellus (N.Y.) Central School District.

• Michael Burke of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., at Peekskill (N.Y.) City Schools and Mahopac (N.Y.) Central School District.                                 

• Brandon Herwick of Coxsackie, N.Y., at Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central Schools in Selkirk, N.Y., and Catskill (N.Y.) Central School District.                                                     

• Joseph DiMaggio of Rome, N.Y., at Camden (N.Y.) Central School District and Oriskany (N.Y.) Central School District.

For more information, contact the Physical Education Department at (607) 753-4955. 

Brandon Herwick receives SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence

Brandon Herwick Receives SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence

CORTLAND, NY (05/22/2010)(readMedia)-- Brandon Herwick, a Coxsackie, N.Y., native, was one of four SUNY Cortland seniors honored on April 6 in Albany, N.Y., with 2010 State University of New York Chancellor's Awards for Student Excellence.

"The 228 students we honor today have excelled academically and taken advantage of what SUNY has to offer outside the classroom," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher as she recognized students from the 63 SUNY campuses throughout the state during the ceremony in Albany, N.Y. "These students are proven leaders, athletes, artists, community servants and much more. Congratulations to all of the students receiving today's award and thank you all for your genuine dedication to student excellence."

The recipients were honored for integrating academic excellence with accomplishments in leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts or career achievement. This year's honorees have an overall grade point average of 3.8.

To the SUNY Cortland community, Herwick brings to life the College's Red Dragon mascot, aptly named "Blaze."

But it's not all fun and games for this senior physical education major, who has maintained a 3.63 grade point average during his two years at the College and will graduate in May. The National Association of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE) honored him as its Major of the Year in March for his excellent academic achievement, exemplary leadership and involvement, and demonstrative dedication to the fields of health, activity and fitness.

A promising scholar in his chosen field, Herwick delivered four presentations at two New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYSAHPERD) conferences and recently was slated to give another for the national association.

"I think physical education is an elemental part of a child's education," Herwick says. "It's something that needs to be set up early so that it can be continued for life. Especially with the obesity epidemic, it's important that we get inside of schools and we teach students how to be confident in their abilities."

In March 2008, Tau Sigma, the academic honor society for transfer students, initiated Herwick, who attended Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) before Cortland, as a member. A resident assistant on the campus, Herwick was recognized last spring with an Academic Excellence Award by the Residence Life and Housing Office.

Herwick serves as president of the Alliance of Physical Education Majors Club and the Cortland Table Tennis Club, participates on the Student Activities Board, and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. He has offered his time and talent to several efforts on behalf of individuals with physical challenges.

This spring, he student-teaches at V.W. Becker, an elementary school in Ravina-Coeymans-Selkirk (N.Y.) School District, and Catskill High School. He'll continue his studies toward a graduate degree in adapted physical education.

"SUNY Cortland is one of the premiere, if not the premiere, New York state physical education schools and it definitely ranks among the top in the nation, if not the world," said Herwick, noting that he was inspired to transfer to SUNY Cortland by Thomas Rogan '66, a Cortland alumnus and his professor at HVCC. His mother, alumna Denise Sonustun Herwick '86, was another influence.

"I think the teachers are very diverse at Cortland and what makes the program so great is how the professors can bring so many different aspects to one profession."

With this year's awards, 56 SUNY Cortland students have earned a Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence since the program was created in 1997.

Each year, SUNY campus presidents establish a selection committee to review outstanding graduating seniors. The nominees are forwarded to the Chancellor's Office for a second round of review and a group of finalists is selected. Each honoree received a framed certificate and a medallion that is traditionally worn at commencement. A complete listing can be viewed at:http://www.suny.edu/Files/sunynewsFiles/Pdf/StudentExcellenceListing.pdf.

2010 Portfolio Showcase

Fresh of the 2010 Portfolio Showcase, here are some great shots from this afternoon's event. Congrats to all the winners and we've seen some great portfolios that will represent you and Cortland extremely well.

Six SUNY Cortland PE Students Receive Alway/Tesori Awards for Student Teaching

Six senior physical education majors at SUNY Cortland were recognized with Lenore K. Alway/Anthony P. Tesori Awards for their outstanding work in student teaching in New York state schools during the Fall 2009 semester. Physical Education Department faculty members nominated one woman and five men for the recognition. The students received a certificate.

The Alway award, given to women, recognizes Lenore K. Alway, the late pioneering head of women’s
physical education at the College from 1941 to 1965. The men’s award honors Anthony P. Tesori, a 1939 graduate who gave the College many years of leadership in athletics and administrative areas and earned the College’s C-Club Hall of Fame Award for his achievements before and after graduation.

The Alway Award honoree and the school districts where she completed her teaching follows:
• Mallory Cogen of Bellmore, N.Y., at Westbury Union Free School District in Old Westbury, N.Y.,
and Herricks Union Free School District in New Hyde Park, N.Y.

The Tesori Award honorees and the schools or school districts where they completed their teaching are as follows:
• Christopher Corso of Oceanside, N.Y., at Westbury Union Free School District in Old Westbury, N.Y., and Jericho (N.Y.) Union Free School District.
• Andrew MacArthur of Great Neck, N.Y., at Southern Cayuga Central School District of Aurora, N.Y.,and Whitney Point (N.Y.) Central School District.
• Joseph Moran of Gasport, N.Y., at Fabius-Pompey (N.Y.) Central School District and Cortland (N.Y.)City School District.
• Todd Plourde of Binghamton, N.Y., at Chenango Valley Central School District of Binghamton, N.Y., and the Binghamton (N.Y.) City School District.
• Edward Reiser of Sayville, N.Y., at Brentwood (N.Y.) Union Free School District and Connetquot
Central School District of Islip, N.Y.
For more information, contact the Physical Education Department at (607) 753-4955.

Dr. Tim Davis to Receive APAC National Outstanding Professional Award

Congratulations Dr. Davis! Please drop by or send him a congratulation e-mail.  davist@cortland.edu

Taken from the SUNY Cortland Bulletin

Timothy Davis, assistant professor of physical education at SUNY Cortland, has been named the 2010 Outstanding Professional Award recipient by the Adapted Physical Activity Council (APAC) of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).

A nationally respected SUNY Cortland faculty member since joining the College in 1998, Davis will be recognized on Thursday, March 18, during the AAHPERD convention in Indianapolis, Ind.

“He embodies the concept of a truly selfless, compassionate professional, always taking the time to help others,” noted University of Florida Professor Christine Stopka, in her nomination of Davis for the honor.

“In fact, his mission has been to improve the quality of physical education services for children with disabilities through the development and promotion of highly qualified adapted physical education teachers, one teacher at a time. He believes strongly that empowering individual teachers can have a profound effect on the quality of lives of children with disabilities.”

The APAC award recognizes an exceptional member who not only has provided leadership to the organization and who has contributed to scholarly publications in the field of adapted physical education, but also someone who has “made a significant mark on the lives of others through teaching, athletics, entertainments, serving in public office, or in some other way enhancing the positive image of people with disabilities in society.”

Davis, who presided over APAC from 2000-02, has been a role model and an indefatigable adapted physical education leader in both service and scholarship for years, noted Stopka.

The chair of the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) Project for the past eight years, Davis is the anonymous “expert” behind the organization’s PE Central “Ask the Expert” online service.

“Dr. Davis receives 15-20 e-mails and messages a week asking for information ranging from disability to state licensure and beyond,” explained Stopka, adding that he answers those requests “in a meaningful and personal manner” and “without receiving credit whatsoever for his time and effort.”

He has promoted APENS through a Web site, online links and enhanced visibility at AAHPERD regional and national conferences, she noted.

“More recently, he was interviewed for an article in Education Weekly, where he was asked to speak on behalf of the field of adapted physical education and national standards,” Stopka explained.

"Dr. Davis’ scholarly activity speaks to his passion in the field,” she continued. “He has been represented in all of the leading physical education journals. His list of international and national presentations is formidable. Dr. Davis exemplifies the professional who ‘talks the talk and walks the walk.’ He connects with practicing physical educators through his writing as well as through his presentation. He has a national reputation as being a ‘go-to’ person for answers that require practical application.”

Stopka said that Davis has been instrumental in the three-year expansion of the national mentoring program, “I Can Do It! You Can Do It!” for youth with disabilities developed by the Office on Disability in the Department of Health and Human Services. He is one of nine national directors promoting the mentorship of children with disabilities to increase physical activity and nutrition. He is targeting his upcoming research on addressing perceptions of physical education teaching majors with disabilities, an underrepresented area in literature for many years, said Stopka.

She singled out his commitment to the local community as director of the Cortland Homer Afterschool Mentorship Program (CHAMP), a five-days-a-week, state-approved, afterschool daycare program. In addition, Tim has developed many service learning opportunities for his students. These include Skill Builders and Challenger Sports for children with disabilities birth to 21 years, Thursday night wheelchair sports, Project LEAPE, and most recently Project DREAM serving at risk youth and those with disabilities ages 13-21.

A native of Reno, Nev., Davis earned both a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in adapted physical education and early intervention from California State University, Chico. He has a Ph.D. in adapted physical education and early childhood special education from the University of Virginia.

From 1991-94, Davis was an adapted physical education instructor and director of the Ability Challenge Sports and Recreation Program at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind.

At SUNY Cortland, Davis received the 2009 Rozanne M. Brooks Dedicated Teacher Award and was honored by the College with its Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Outreach Award. In 2007 and 2008, he was presented by the College with its Distinguished Faculty Service Learning Award. In 2008, SUNY Cortland earned the Adapted Physical Education Program of the Year Award from AAHPERD.

Davis was presented with the prestigious William A. Hillman Distinguished Service Award in 2006 by the National Consortium on Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities. He has received several other Professional of the Year Awards from state organizations in New York and outstanding service awards while working in both New York and Indiana.

A member of several College committees, across his career he has successfully written grants for nearly $600,000 in sponsored research associated with adapted physical education. Most recently, Tim has developed the School Partnerships in Physical Education Program creating funded teaching opportunities for graduate students majoring in adapted physical education.

Within the community, Davis presided over the board of directors for Access for Independence of Cortland County, an independent living center servicing adults with physical and developmental disabilities. He has been active with local Little League organizations and serves as faculty advisor to the national powerhouse SUNY Cortland baseball team.

For many years, Davis was a big game guide in the province of Alberta for the Canada Division of Forestry, having served a year as a guide in the Yukon Territories. Since 2003, he has taught Inclusive Outdoor Education, a graduate course at SUNY Cortland developed specifically to address the needs of diverse populations in outdoor education experiences.

He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Chase, 13, and Peter, 10, and reside in Homer, N.Y.

PE Students Recieve Teaching Awards

Jaime Atencio Named Australian Teaching Fellow

On June 7, Atencio, a 2009 SUNY Cortland graduate, who majored in physical education, will board a plane headed for Mountain Creek State Primary School in Queensland, Australia. He will spend the next 18 months in a fellowship program teaching physical education to kindergarten through seventh grade at the same school where he student taught last year.
Atencio is SUNY Cortland's third Australian Teaching Fellow, the result of a collaborative effort among the College, Education Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast. The fellowship has been offered to SUNY Cortland alumni who have a provisional or initial teaching certification in New York state.

Alway and Tesori Awards to PE Seniors for Student Teaching

The Alway Award honorees and the schools or school districts where they completed their teaching are as follows:

• Erin Brooks of Macedon, N.Y., at Fairport (N.Y.) Central School District and Newport (N.Y.) Central School District;
• Nicole Corcoran of Massena, N.Y., at Ithaca (N.Y.) City School District and Southern Cayuga (N.Y.) Central School District;
• Susan Dittrich of Cortland, N.Y., at Fabius-Pompey (N.Y.) Central School District and Cincinnatus (N.Y.) Senior High School;
• Lauren Friedlander of Cortland, N.Y., at Marathon (N.Y.) Central School District and Ithaca City School District; and,
• Katharine Spader of Larchmont, N.Y., at Mount Vernon (N.Y.) City School District and Rye Neck (N.Y.) Union Free School District.

The Tesori Award honorees and the schools or school districts where they completed their teaching are as follows:

• Keith Greene of Bay Shore, N.Y., at Connetquot (N.Y.) Central School District and Brentwood (N.Y.) Union Free School District;
• Shaun McGee of Pawling, N.Y., at Peekskill (N.Y.) City School District and Brewster (N.Y.) Central School District; and,
• Richard Miglietta of Port Washington, N.Y., at New York City Geographical District No. 28 and Glen Cove (N.Y.) City School District.

Another Fun Video

This video resembles Jacks, it shows the fun stuff we did during the great semester in 255.

SUNY Cortland PE Rockstars - EDU 255 Fall 2009

 

Here is a great representation of what we do in EDU 255 and especially what happened this semester of PE Rockstar Training at SUNY Cortland.  It was compiled by Jack Murphy.  Please take a look at his blog or his Professional Portfolio for some of his many accomplishments and also  follow him on Twitter by clicking here.

Tim Davis quoted in Education Week regarding access of students with disabilities to sports

Our very own Dr. Tim Davis, CAPE was featured in an Education Week piece regarding access of students with disabilities to sports. Click here to read more about the importance of focusing on student abilities and not their disabilities.

School staff members often lack training and experience in how to adapt physical education classes for students with disabilities—and the quality of services is reduced as a result, says Timothy Davis, an assistant professor of physical education at the State University of New York at Cortland and the chairman of the Adapted Physical Education National Standards, a project established by a professional group to create standards and a certification program for the profession.

Only 13 states suggest additional training for physical educators to teach adapted physical education, according to Mr. Davis. Most states do not require any additional certification.
Teachers in an undergraduate program for physical education are often required to take one three-credit course in adapted physical education in the last year of the program, he notes. “By the time they get interested in adapted physical education, they are done and they are out student-teaching,” Mr. Davis says. “Then because they have had the one course, they get a job in a district teaching adapted physical education.

“The lack of standards for hiring highly qualified teachers is a huge frustration,” he says, “that perpetuates the lack of service, the lack of quality, and ultimately has a tremendous impact on the quality of life of students with disabilities.”
About 1,700 teachers in the United States are nationally certified in adapted physical education through his group, Mr. Davis says.

A Level Playing Field from Education Week on Vimeo.

Because of a lack of training, physical education teachers often feel uncomfortable attending individualized-education-program, or IEP, meetings for students with disabilities—and the absence of those educators troubles him.

“Even if we are not invited to the meeting, we have to knock on the door. It’s your student, in your class,” Mr. Davis says. “If the physical education teacher is not at the meeting, somebody else makes the idea for placement. Somebody else is writing the goals and objectives for physical education. We need to be there; we need the representation.”
Sometimes an attitude shift can make a big difference, he says, in how to teach sports to students with disabilities.

“You focus on ability and not disability,” Mr. Davis says. “Focus on what a kid can do, and you can make it work. If you say, ‘He can’t run, he can’t throw,’ I cringe. Tell me what he can do, and now we can start teaching.”

SUNY Cortland - The Heart of PE

Welcome to SUNY Cortland - The Heart of Physical Education. A video montage presented at the SUNY Cortland AHPERD Conference on October 9, 2009 in Cortland, NY. More information available at  http://www.cortland.edu/physed.

Dr. Columna on L.A. PBS show

Dr. Luis Columna was recently on the Spanish language Los Angeles PBS show called Los Niños en Su Casa to discuss the importance of providing quality physical activities in the home. The topic of the day was El movimiento (Movement) and the host of the show was Alina Rosario. One of Dr. Columna's research areas includes physical activity for migrant workers and their families, so it was a great opportunity for him to share his expertise with the public. In the link to the article, you will find some written advice on how to make fun activities for kids of all ages. The filming occured in February 2009 but the show did not air until June 2009. ¡Felicidades Dr. Columna!

Windows of Opportunity by Alumna Dr. Judith Rink - 2009 SUNY Cortland AHPERD

Dr. Judith Rink just presented her keynote speech at the 2009 SUNY Cortland AHPERD titled "Windows of Opportunity Don't Come Often". She is a pioneer of PE and we are so glad to have her as an alumna of our SUNY Cortland PE program. Thank you Dr. Rink for taking time out of your busy schedule and for dedicating your entire career to helping improve PE all around the world.




And here is the rest of it.

Assistant Professor Stephen Yang radio interview at 2009 Games for Health Conference

At the Games for Health conference (June 2009) in Boston, MA, PE faculty member Stephen Yang was interviewed on the Dave Graveline Radio show, a weekly radio network program covering the latest in consumer electronics and technology. Professor Yang researches ways to use technology (exergames) to increase healthy behaviors, knowledge and attitudes in children of all ages and all abilities. His research blog (www.exergamelab.blogspot.com) serves as a place to highlight the latest exergames, technology, and research invloving electronic games and technology.

"Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline" is a 3-hour radio program (as well as 60 second Daily Features and ITTV Video Reports) covering the Latest in Consumer Electronics & Technology available today and ... into tomorrow. The show airs on over 100 AM & FM radio stations around the U.S., on SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, radio stations in Germany, Bermuda, New Zealand, Canada and several other sources including Mobile Broadcast Network, BeOS Radio, Sprint Radio, TiVo, CelleCast and many others - every weekend. "Into Tomorrow" is also heard around the world on the Armed Forces Networks in several other countries. In addition, they stream all their audio and video via their web site and provide free Podcasts of all show archives.

The ONLY international show covering Consumer Electronics exclusively for 14 years, "Into Tomorrow" highlights the way technology is changing our lives! From Gadgets & Gizmos to Home Theater, Digital Photography, Car Audio, Security & Navigation, High Tech Recreation, HDTV, Technology On-The-Go, GPS and everything else that people are talking about.

Check out the rest of the broadcast and interviews at the David Graveline Into Tomorrow Radio Show.

Be sure to catch the other great interviews with Ole Petter Høie, Managing Director – Positive Gaming, Kyle Ward, Musician/Engineer – Positive Gaming, Gary Florindo, President & CEO – LIGHTSPACE Corp., Jerry Heneghan, Managing Director – Virtual Heroes, Seth Sivak, Chief Product Officer – Deep End Interactive, Ben Sawyer, Co-Founder – Games For Health Project, and JoAnna Darst, Project Manager – Humana Games for Health.

And here is the rest of it.

Yang & Foley receive Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Outreach Award

In May 2009, Stephen Yang (Assistant Professor) and John Foley (Associate Professor) received the Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Outreach Award in recognition of being the assessment team for a Department of Edication - Carol M. White - Physical Education Program grant.

The purpose of this project is to collect and analyze data to support the implementation of the Cortland County Physical Education Program (PEP) Grant from the Department of Education that is intended to improve physical education classes district-wide. SUNY Cortland graduate and undergraduate students will assist in the collection of teacher and student data such as attitudes towards physical activity, time spent in physical activity, and motor skill testing. Results of the assessments will be reported back to the grant administrator to include in the grant progress reports to the U.S. Department of Education. School level reports will also be generated to inform administrators and educators. (Cortland Excels)

Gary Babjack Receives Excellence in Professional Service Award

Congratulations to Gary Babjck for receiving the Excellence in Professional Service Awards -
Excellence in Innovation within Profession. This award is in recognition of Gary's constant strive to making things better and to help different groups here at Cortland.

Gary has taken the lead in developing new initiatives from synthesizing and utilizing technology in the classroom to developing a web-assisted master’s degree program in Physical Education at SUNY Cortland. He “catalyzed technology applications,” including Dartfish technology, XOS (a state-of-the-art digital team analysis system), and a mobile tablet computer lab to provide training to physical educators and students in utilization of cutting edge technologies. Through Gary’s diligent efforts and close work with Academic Computing, all student-athlete program evaluations are now done using WEBCT. He was instrumental in securing the hardware necessary to have a digital analysis system in place for coaches to utilize in assessing individual and team performance. As a Dartfish Master trainer, he attends practices daily to assist coaches in learning to use Dartfish and XOS to enhance team and individual performance. Our state-of-the-art camera systems for Corey Gymnasium were the result of his being instrumental in partnership discussions with Panasonic. He co-wrote and received a grant for instituting computer assessment in pedagogy classes. In addition to teaching, advising and volunteer activities, Gary coached our 2007-08 Gymnastics team to a third place finish and coordinated the 2008 USGA National Gymnastics Championships held at SUNY Cortland this spring. His technology innovations have resulted in improved processes and effectiveness for all connected with our Physical Education Programs and Team Sports. (Via Cortland)

Please leave a comment for him, stop by his office, or send him an e-mail (babjackb@cortland.edu) to congratulate him.

Dr. Tim Davis receives Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Outreach Award

Dr. Timothy D. Davis, also received the Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Outreach Award at the President's annual award ceremony, Cortland Excels.

Dr. Davis was responsible for securing funding and programming for the “Homer CSD/SUNY Cortland Graduate Student Partnership” worth $15,000.

The Homer Central School District (HCSD) and the Adapted Physical Education faculty within the Department of Physical Education have created a partnership to improve the quality of Adapted Physical Education services currently provided to children with disabilities. Tim Davis and Mike Carboine, Athletic Director for HCSD, outlined the guidelines for a long-term partnership designed to enhance the access and adaptive physical education programming opportunities for children with disabilities throughout the Homer school district. The HCSD will support a part-time Adapted Physical Education graduate student in exchange for 20 hours per week of direct service working with children. The responsibilities of the graduate student are to teach the majority of HCSD’s adaptive students four hours per day in either the elementary, intermediate or junior high schools. The graduate student is responsible for the planning and teaching of daily lesson plans specific to each individual student, along with coordinating and updating any IEP plans for students with the office of Special Education for Homer Schools. The “win/win” scenario provides financial support while graduate students receive valuable public school experience. Past public school partnerships in Adapted Physical Education have been created with Marathon Schools, DeRuyter Schools and the Fransizka Racker Centers. The creative designs and outreach for school partnerships exemplifies why SUNY Cortland’s Adapted Physical Education program was recognized in April of 2008 by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAPHERD) for The Program of the Year Award, which is the highest honor for adapted physical education programs as recognized by AAPHERD. The school partnerships are an extension of the APE commitment to promote and assure integrity for individuals with disabilities throughout central New York.

Professor JoEllen Bailey to Receive Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching

CORTLAND, NY (05/14/2009) JoEllen Bailey, an associate professor of physical education at SUNY Cortland, will receive a Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching during the 2009 Undergraduate Commencement on Saturday, May 16, in the Park Center.

She is among five SUNY Cortland faculty and staff members to be honored this year with a prestigious State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Excellence. A second faculty member, Kathleen Lawrence, associate professor of communication studies, will also be recognized with a Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The Chancellor's Award process begins at each of the 64 SUNY campuses with nominations submitted by the respective presidents. The SUNY Committee on Awards then reviews the nominations and makes its recommendations.

Bailey, of Dryden, N.Y., becomes the 50th SUNY Cortland faculty member to receive the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

A Physical Education Department faculty member at SUNY Cortland since 2002, she teaches teacher education courses in physical education at both the undergraduate and graduate level, supervises student teachers, coordinates physical education student teaching in Australia and facilitates master's student comprehensive examinations.

Her scholarly activity centers on teaching pedagogy; in particular, how to improve teacher education in physical education and the student teaching experience.

"Many faculty are knowledgeable regarding pedagogy, but I have never known anyone that can consistently and effectively apply that knowledge the way that JoEllen does," noted one colleague, a previous Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient. "She is a masterful and powerful teacher."

Colleagues praise her student-centered teaching philosophy that emphasizes multi-modal instruction, practical application of concepts and regular assessment of student learning.

"All students have the right to learn in an environment that is supportive and directed to their own learning style," Bailey wrote. "Students need a choice to bring personal meaning to their learning. Students want to feel a sense of belonging and be valued as a person. Students need to experience success through challenge."

Current and former students and colleagues continually describe Bailey as "effective," "organized," "accessible" and "caring" and note that she expects excellence and professionalism from her students, models it herself every day and works tirelessly with her students to achieve it.

"It is clear that she has created an environment in which students feel safe to take the academic risks important for their growth," the selection committee observed.

Her students engage in a variety of learning experiences: lectures, hands-on activities, oral presentations, appropriate application of technology and writing assignments.

"I find Bailey's instruction and presentation of the material to be stimulating and extremely effective," wrote one student on his experience in her statistics and assessment course. "She has the ability to keep each class interesting and the ability to bring out the best in each and every one of her students."

Faculty colleagues noted her dedication to mentoring students and colleagues.

"With Bailey one never feels discouraged or left without answers," commented one student in a letter to the committee.

"If students do poorly on formative assessments, I believe it is my responsibility to find a way to help them improve," Bailey explained.

"After graduating from SUNY Cortland four-and-a-half years ago, Bailey still has a lasting impact in my life and profession," a former student wrote. "Her positive character, support and enthusiasm are just a few strengths that make her stand out among her colleagues."

Bailey weaves her research in physical education pedagogy and assessment into her courses. Her work has been published in Research Quarterly and Strategies, two highly respected, peer-reviewed journals.

A native of Glenville, Minn., Bailey earned a doctorate in physical education pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado. She has a bachelor's degree in physical education with a minor in health education and coaching certification from Winona (Minn.) State University. Bailey also received a Master of Arts in Physical Education with emphasis in developmental adapted physical education from Mankato State University.

Touch-down J-E-T-S 2009 Training Camp from SUNY Cortland

The Jets have arrived the Jets have arrived. Our sleepy summer has been awoken by a Big Green Monster in the name of the New York Jets. 2 a days (2 practices a day) started yesterday in the rain but by yesterday evening it was all sun and fun. Plenty to see and do here on campus as the Jets have taken over most of the campus (Park Center, fields, dorms, and food hall). Keep checking the following album to see the latest pictures from the New York Jets 2009 Training Camp at SUNY Cortland in Cortland, NY.

. And here is the rest of it.

Ast. Prof. Stephen Yang quoted in OPRAH Magazine

Assistant Professor Stephen Yang was contacted by Sari Harrar, a health/medicine journalist for OPRAH Magazine, to see if the GoWear Fit (a physical activity monitor that is worn on the arm) might help people lose weight.  His research involves measuring physical activity and has been using the Body Media Sensewear Armband for a number of years - it is the parent company of their commercial unit GoWear Fit (mentioned earlier in the article).  Here is the link to the article that was posted online earlier this month (my comments are in the final paragraph).  To find more information on Yang's research on physical activity and video games, click on the Exergame Lab website or Exergame Lab Blog.

Exercise researcher Stephen Yang, PhD, an assistant professor of physical education at State University of New York College at Cortland, says this innovative armband takes the guesswork out of one side of the weight loss equation. "Until recently, mainly research labs used devices that measured calorie burn this way," he says. "Seeing the numbers can be a real motivator and will help keep you from missing workouts." Use the GoWear Fit to figure out how much additional activity you need to burn an extra 500 calories a day. If you keep up that effort, you should drop about a pound a week.

Assistant Professor Stephen Yang quoted in USA Today

Can games like 'Wii Fit' really work it?

Stephen Yang, Assistant Professor in Physical Education was contacted by Kim Painter, Senior Health Columnist for USA Today, for comments on how effective exergames are for cardiovascular benefits and overall health. Here is the excerpt of the article referring to my comments and the full article can be found by clicking on this link.

But games that are more demanding, more interactive or both are on the way or already available, says Stephen Yang, assistant professor of physical education at the State University of New York-Cortland. For addictive, calorie-burning fun, Yang recommends Eye Toy Kinetic (for PlayStation2), a workout game that points a camera at the user to track movements and provide instant feedback.

He also likes tween favorite Dance Dance Revolution (for various game systems), which is not marketed as an exercise game but fits the bill. And he directs parents to Gamercize, a British import that connects to any video game system — and keeps it running only as long as the user keeps moving on a mini-bike or step machine.

The future will bring games that track heart rates and keep exercisers working at a challenging but safe pace, he says. Virtual group workouts, with participants connected online to a live coach, will happen, too, he says.

But the games that work best, Yang says, will be the ones that are the most fun.

To find more information on Yang's research on physical activity and video games, click on theExergame Lab website or Exergame Lab Blog.

Congratulations Dr. Tim Davis - Teaching Award

Congratulations to Dr. Tim Davis - for being selected to receive the 2009 Dr. Rozanne Brooks Dedicated Teacher Award. Tim will receive this prestigious award at the Honors Convocation on April 18, 2009. It’s wonderful recognition for the great work that Tim has been doing and very much deserved.

The Brooks Award honors a faculty member who devotes a significant amount of time both to teaching and to working with students outside of class. A $5,000 honorarium is included with the award for use in enhancing Tim’s teaching initiatives. Tim is a dedicated and outstanding teacher. His classes are exciting, challenging and filled with energy. He expects professionalism both in behavior and academic performance from each individual student in his classroom as well as from the community of students in his classroom. Tim’s students respond to his expectations by being active and vigorous contributors to class discussion, always listening, always questioning, always engaged. The selection committee noted that Tim’s work outside the classroom is exceptional. He developed a partnership with the J.M. McDonald Sports Complex and the Cortland Homer Afterschool Mentorship Program (CHAMPS), which is an extension of his Motor Development undergraduate course. The program places his students as afterschool mentors to at-risk youth ages five to fourteen. He develops community programs that benefit the participants and, at the same time, gives our students the confidence and skills they need to succeed as teachers and leaders. Tim serves on the College’s Student Affairs Committee as the School of Professional Studies representative for the Faculty Senate. Tim directs the Adapted Sports and Adventure Camp at SUNY Cortland. He is faculty advisor for the College’s baseball team and for Project LEAPE (Leadership and Exercise in Adapted Physical Education). Since 2002, he has chaired the Adapted Physical Education National Standards Project (APENS), which provides national standards and certification examination for adapted physical educators. A grant review committee member for the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Recreation Services in the Division of Personnel Preparation since 2001, Tim has been awarded many College, state, federal and private grants. Tim has presented at numerous international and national conferences and has written for several publications and children’s books. (Viaww.Cortland.edu)

Please stop by his office or send him an e-mail (davist@cortland.edu) to congratulate him.

Dept. Chair Couturier - NASPE President-Elect Candidate

Be sure to vote for our Department Chair - Dr.Lynn Couturier for 2009 NASPE President-Elect.

All NASPE members are encouraged to let their voice be heard by voting for members of the NASPE Board of Directors in one of four ways.

• Mail the official 2009 ballot from the current issue of NASPE News.
• Mail the official mail-in ballot or fax to 703-476-8316.
• Vote online. Below is a list of candidates, a short biographical sketch of each one, and a link to cast your ballot. Please include your member number.
• Vote at the AAHPERD National Convention in Tampa, Florida. You can vote before and after the NASPE General Session on Thursday, April 2, 2009.

The new board members will be announced at the NASPE Association Delegate Assembly on Friday, April 3, 2009.
2009 NASPE Candidate Bios
President-Elect

Lynn Couturier (Podcast)

Dr. Lynn Couturier is currently the Chair of the Physical Education Department at SUNY Cortland. Her prior positions in higher education have involved teaching, coaching, and administration. She has also coached interscholastic and youth sports and taught briefly at the elementary level.

Dr. Couturier earned her undergraduate degree in physical education from Springfield College in 1981, graduating summa cum laude. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Biomechanics from the University of Illinois and then returned to Springfield College for her doctorate in Physical Education. She recently completed a master of arts in American Studies from Trinity College (CT).

Dr. Couturier is currently serving as Chair of the AAHPERD Structure and Function Committee and as a member of the NASPE Initial Physical Education Teacher Education Standards Review Committee. She is a lead reviewer for NASPE/NCATE accreditation and has served as a reviewer for Strategies. Dr. Couturier was Chair of the NASPE Coaches Council and a member of the Coaching Education Task Force. She has served in several capacities for NCACE, including Chair of Reviewer Training and Chair of the Task Force for Guidelines Revisions. Dr. Couturier has also served the Eastern District as Vice President for Recreation and by chairing numerous committees. She has been recognized for her service to the District with the EDA Honor Award.

Dr. Couturier has recently published papers in The Physical Educator and The International Journal of the History of Sport and has given presentations at the state, district, and national level.

Jessica Laing: Athlete of the Week

Congratulations go to Jessica Laing, current junior PE Major. Laing, hailing from Bloomville, NY was the athlete of the week three times over the past couple of months. As part of a teaching methods class, Jessica had to blog about her teaching experiences and she wrote:

"Overall, I liked how this Lab went. I was a little nervous at first but once I started I felt fine. After looking back to previous teaching lessons, I feel I have improved and hopefully I keep improving so I can be a great Physical Educator."

To read more about Jessica's growth as a physical educator, click here to read her blog PE Fun for Everyone PE.

If you wish to follow many more students, click on Professor Yang's blog about Learning to Teach PE like a Rockstar.

1/18/2009 Link to Full Bio

Jessica averaged 17.5 points and 16 rebounds per game in two Cortland victories. She scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a 72-38 win over Buffalo State and recorded 16 points, tied her career high with 18 rebounds and dished out five assists in an 83-59 win at SUNYIT. Laing now ranks third at Cortland with 1,284 career points and fourth with 777 career rebounds.

12/14/2008 Link to Full Bio

Jessica earned SUNYAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week honors after recording 27 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three steals in a 71-64 loss at William Smith on Saturday. She made 9-of-17 shots from the field and 9-of-10 free throws while registering her seventh points-rebounds "double-double" in eight games this season.

11/30/2008 Link to Full Bio

Jessica scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Cortland's 67-65 victory at Elmira College. She recorded her fifth points-rebounds "double-double" in as many games this season and her 40th in two-plus seasons at Cortland. Laing averages 19.0 points and 13.4 rebounds per game for the 4-1 Red Dragons.

[Via Cortland Athletics]