Kinesiology - the study of human movement – encompasses much more than just education of the physical body. Kinesiology not only focuses on physical skill aspects of each student. It also includes the social and individual responsibilities, the knowledge to improve and maintain fitness levels through goal setting, the knowledge of how and when to use movement skills and the history of physical education and sport and their impact on society. Gone are the days of roll out the ball and play with no goal or focus, much like recess. Too often with that type of program those students who are athletic get much more playing time and those who are not have a much lower participation level. In simple terms, the fit and athletic play and the unfit and non-athletic are left out. Our goal, as with any other quality Kinesiology program, is to educate the whole student and to develop a life long desire to become and maintain their fitness and enjoy active participation in a variety of areas.
To accomplish our program fitness goals, Los Coyote students participate in planned fitness activities that are geared to improve and maintain a high level of physical fitness. Each day students will be involved in such fitness activities as jogging, power walking, jump rope, stretching, fitness circuits, and strength training. Students will set their own individual fitness goals and be responsible for their fitness levels and improvement. There are several different assessments used to determine individual fitness levels however our most important assessment is the California state health-related fitness testing. The testing includes cardiovascular endurance – a timed mile run, upper body strength – push-ups, flexibility – sit and reach and trunk lift, abdominal strength – curl-ups and body composition – skin fold test that measure the muscle to fat percentage. These tests are done at least once a trimester so students are able to track their progress.
To accomplish our program goals of social and individual responsibility, Los Coyote students participate in planned activities that are designed to teach, enhance and assess cooperation and team building, personal and group safety, fair play, and sportsmanship. Many of the assessments will include self and team evaluations, personal reflection, completion of specific activities and teacher observation. Each planned activity encompasses social and individual responsibility.
To accomplish our program goals of movement knowledge and skill, Los Coyote students will participate in daily planned activities that cover the spectrum of movement skills. The movement activities such as juggling, catching and throwing, movement through space, and striking and kicking objects, are designed and taught in sequential order and allow students to work at their own skill level. While there are specific skills that may be tested, The student's participation is the most important in determining their improvement and success.
To accomplish these goals, our program is very structured. Individual responsibility is stressed and expected of each student. Students are expected to suit out and participate to the best of their ability each day.
GRADING POLICY
Students' academic grade is based on their fitness levels and improvement, movement skills and participation, social and individual responsibility, and written work and projects. Their citizenship and effort grade includes being prepared for class this means dressing out, being on time, following directions and participating 100% of the time to the best of their ability. As teachers are individuals, there may be some variances in their grading.
