A STUDY OF SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS' ATTITUDES TOWARD PHYSICAL EDUCATION (ALABAMA).

摘要

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe attitudes of secondary school principals toward selected components of the high school physical education programs in Alabama. Utilizing a valid questionnaire and in-depth interviews, attitudes of the principals were obtained. A thorough review of the literature revealed that few studies had been completed on principals' attitudes pertaining to physical education in secondary schools.;The questionnaires revealed that principals believed physical education was a necessary component of the students' high school experience and worthwhile for the students. Most principals were supportive of an improved elementary physical education program and funding for a physical education specialist. It was the attitude of many principals that physical education teachers should be evaluated by the principal and should submit lesson plans. The investigator found most principals believed English was the most important subject in the school and placed physical education fifth among the other ten subjects. Fitness activities and health education were ranked as the most important content areas in physical education. The category of sports and games were described as the most used approach in the physical education class.;Most principals reported positive attitudes concerning physical education; however, some were unsure and discouraged with the way physical education is presently taught. Some principals seem to be aware of current curriculum trends in secondary physical education. However, many were unclear about physical education terminology, grading criteria, how to evaluate physical education teachers, remedial and accelerated programs, and effective teaching skills in physical education.;The subjects in the study were principals from selected public high schools in Alabama. Two hundred questionnaires were mailed to the principals and 168 were returned providing an 84% return rate. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven principals from the sample.