Date of Award:

5-1953

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Kinesiology and Health Science

Department name when degree awarded

Physical Education

Committee Chair(s)

Israel C. Heaton

Committee

Israel C. Heaton

Committee

H. B. Hunsaker

Committee

Ben Van Shaar

Committee

L. O. Noble

Abstract

Physical education has made unusually rapid progress during the past 50 years. Emphasis has deviated from absolute academic objectives to those permitting a well rounded educational program including the physical aspect. Physical education has been influenced by educational, spiritual, political, and social conditions.

As a result of these influences, the necessity of developing the physical has assumed major proportions. There is now a greater demand for physical education than ever before in the history of our country. For the welfare of not only the individual, but also to the state and nation, it is essential that an extremely high degree of physical fitness be maintained.

Present day social and economic trends point to increasing leisure time. Physical education and activity can provide a wholesome, enjoyable release from the more serious problems of life during leisure time activity.

In the role of prevention, physical education can reduce the state and individual financial burden and untold human suffering through the prevention of physical and mental conflicts. Physical education can serve as a medium for the prevention of crime and juvenile delinquency.

As a result of the above mentioned conditions, it is the duty and purpose of our schools and physical education departments to meet this challenge and prepare students of today, citizens and students of the future, to enjoy leisure time activity; to enrich social understanding through activity; to help develop means of physical and mental relaxation; and to provide healthful exercise.

The first Utah Physical Education Association was formed in 1908. This association became an affiliate of the American Physical Education Association and remained as such for about 15 years before dissolving because of the lack of interest (7).

The next effort towards physical education progress was in 1918, when the State Department of Public Instruction set up a suggested course of study to be used as a guide for teachers in physical education.

In 1935 the Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation was set up as a part of the Department of Public Instruction. A course of study for 12 grades was initiated, with the Utah Health and Physical Education Association and the Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation of the State Department of Public Instruction cooperating (7).

In 1935 the State Department of Public Instruction appointed a state course of study committee to outline a course of study in physical education for the secondary schools of Utah.

In 1945 a revision committee was appointed, who with assistance of the textbook commission was to revise the state course of study, if necessary, every three years.

The course of study was sent to superintendents, principals, and directors of physical education to be used as a guide in organizing, administering, and developing a desirable physical education program.

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