This is the 2^ndyear I have been training my K-5 students, at Lincoln Avenue elementary school, in Hands-Only CPR. I am on the Executive Board of Suffolk Zone AHPERD and in the last couple of years we have been running an equipment share program for all our members. Suffolk Zone purchases equipment that our PE teachers have deemed needed but may not have the funds to purchase. We then have our members sign up to borrow the equipment.

Some of the first equipment we purchased for our share were CPR Manikins. Having spent over 20 years as a Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor and Swimming/ Diving coach, I understand the importance of CPR training. CPR helps to keep blood and oxygen flowing and dramatically increases the chances of survival in those who suffer a cardiac arrest. According to the CDC, “heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.” According to the American Heart Association, “88% of people who suffer from a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die. However, when properly and promptly performed, CPR can dramatically improve a person’s chance of survival.”

(Publisher’s Note: This article is based on a presentation made by the author as part of the 50 Million Strong by 2029 Forum held at the 2017 SHAPE America National Convention.)

In 2015, SHAPE America unveiled something new entitled 50 Million Strong by 2029 (50MS) at its Seattle National Convention.  Immediately, people asked, “What exactly is this 50MS?” I’ve heard it described differently:  A program, a curriculum, an initiative.  Some disparagingly described it as just another one of SHAPE America’s gimmicks, or the dumbing down of physical education to just getting kids active.  In fact, 50MS is defined as a commitment to ensuring that by the year 2029 all children who started school in 2015 will, by the time they graduate from high school in 2029, have the skills, knowledge and disposition to lead healthy and physically active lives.  Admittedly, following its unveiling, SHAPE America perhaps fell short in how 50MS was presented, described, and operationalized.  However, at its core 50MS is a tangible goal, or target for the profession to shoot for over the next 12 years.  And whether or not 50MS succeeds depends on what the field as a whole (i.e. teachers, teacher education programs, and our state, district and national association), opts to do to achieve that goal.

Fundamentally, 50MS has its roots in two key trends.  First, there is the well-documented rise in overweight and obesity levels among children and youth (among others) that gave rise to health-oriented physical education (e.g., Metzler, McKenzie, van der Mars, Williams, & Ellis, 2013a, 2013b; Sallis & McKenzie, 1991; Sallis, McKenzie, Beets,  Beighle, Erwin, & Lee, 2012).  The Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) model was introduced principally in response to the concerns surrounding overweight and obesity (NASPE, 2008).  But to be clear, the CSPAP framework emphasizes quality physical education as its centerpiece component!

(Publisher’s Note: This article is based on a presentation made by the author as part of the 50 Million Strong by 2029 Forum held at the 2017 SHAPE America National Convention.)

 The physical education profession has faced numerous challenges in recent decades. A few of these challenges include declining contact days and hours in K-12 health and physical education, declining membership within the national and state organizations, and a declining professional reputation due to inappropriate teaching.  Given the current state of our profession, what needs to occur in order to repair and improve our professional reputation?

The announcement of 50 Million Strong by 2029 at the 2015 National PETE & HETE Conference appeared to place a wedge in our professional organization.  This initial rollout was heavily centered around physical activity with little to no reference to physical education.  Significantly however, recent discussion about 50 Million Strong has focused on physical education assuming a more prominent role.  Let’s be honest, physical education must be the main focus of 50 Million Strong.  Are we to believe 50 Million Strong has a flexible definition?  Will 50 Million Strong morph as new SHAPE America Presidents assume their elected posts?  A unified and consistent vision is essential if this new professional commitment is to succeed.

I’m always looking for fun ways to motivate my students to develop their athleticism. I’m constantly searching for creative ways to have the students work on setting goals and mapping out plans to achieve them. I want to teach my students how to overcome obstacles and not give up. And I’ve discovered I can literally do just that with a physical education inspired version of TV’s American Ninja Warrior course!

TV shows such as Wipe-Out, American Ninja Warrior, Ninja Warrior Junior & Titanare wildly popular among our youth right now. The high intensity, high-risk style of competition is the reason for their popularity. These shows always have my children and I on the edge of our seats, hearts racing, muscles tensing, almost willing the athletes to get through to the next obstacle. These shows are inspiring children, teens, and adults to become more physically active and try new things outside their comfort zones. With this in mind, I decided a school-wide competition would be a great teaching tool to motivate my students to rise up, challenge themselves, and learn what they are capable of.

Every year, the students in my school look forward to our Giant Obstacle Course. Year after year, we set up in class different obstacles that are both fun and crazy while challenging the students’ strength, endurance, and overall fitness. So, this year, my co-worker and I designed the course to resemble the show American Ninja Warrior. We made our version of the quad steps, rope swings, rolling log, warped wall, Tarzan ropes, cargo climb, jumping bars, salmon ladder, unstable bridge, devil steps, rope junction, cliff hanger, monkey pegs, etc. I have to brag for one moment! The course was AWESOME! Everyday you would find my coworker and I playing on the course any free minute we had. Even some of the teachers and staff would come in during their class PE period and play.