This profession has evolved in so many wonderful ways. One way I am particularly excited about is our contribution related to student focus.
I want to thank and shake the hand of every researcher in this area of expertise. Although we always knew we were important as subject-area content professionals, it was the research that connected what we do to the bigger picture in education.
School health and physical education are recognized as disciplines that contribute to all other disciplines — and they are now identified as part of a student’s “well-rounded education” in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
There has never been a better time to let the world know that health and physical educators help students focus: socially, emotionally and academically.
So, what does it look like? You know by now that we are associated with a famous picture of the brain, right? (Thank you, Dr. Hillman.) I’ve never been more confident that a picture is worth a thousand words. What a “mic drop” moment for us.
In health, a skills-based approach is at the heart of helping students reflect on their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a way no other subject area can. When we hear that social-emotional learning (SEL) is the hot topic lately, health educators are simply saying, “Welcome to the party!”
So, what is the actionable step for all of us? Know the research, invite yourself to the conversation, pull up a chair, take the seat and turn up the microphone, advocate into it and then drop it. President LoBianco…OUT!
