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If you're interested in what is taught in a PE classroom, you can download the state standards (what all students should know and be able to do) from the Oregon Department of Education website: www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/real/standards.  This might help clear some things up.

School physical education programs offer the best opportunity to provide physical activity to all children and to teach them the skills and knowledge needed to establish and sustain an active lifestyle. Physical education teachers assess student knowledge, motor and social skills, and provide instruction in a safe, supportive environment. Based on sequence of learning, physical education should not be compared to or confused with other physical activity experiences such as recess, intramurals, or recreational endeavors.

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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Jacob, maybe you haven't been in a physical education class in a while or one that was standards-based.  When taught to standards by a PE specialist, PE builds student skills for lifelong physical activity and fitness including skills around goal-setting, safety, problem-solving, self-assessment, self-managment and more. It's way more than playing sports or games (or having social time). And yes, many PE teachers include instruction on bicycling and walking!  I'd suggest getting involved with Portland's Safe Routes to School program since you're so passionate about the issue and have experience with bicycle commuting:  www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=40511

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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Hm, maybe we don't teach kids about drinking because it's ILLEAGAL.  Just a thought.

posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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Actually, Oregon Revised Statues (ORS) are laws passed by the State Legislature.

posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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Why won't you let Brad Victor answer this crazy woman?  She's made some ridiculous accusations against him.

There is also NO EVIDENCE that teaching condom use and other contraceptive information within a comprehensive, research-based program leads to increased sexual activity.

posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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Another factor in the difficult funding landscape for the arts in Oregon is that there are so few foundations and corporations focusing their giving on the arts.  These organizations prefer to fund social services, not realizing the social and educational as well as cultural benefits of supporting artists and arts organizations.

I'd also suggest that for whatever reason (perhaps uncertain financial climate) the larger performing arts organizations seem loath to partner with smaller organizations.  This siloing behavior weakens the entire fabric of our arts community, and keeps smaller organizations at the bottom of the food chain. Sometimes it feels almost impossible to grow in this climate, and I don't see those organizations with more resources reaching out to others.

posted 3 years, 11 months ago
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