So how did Norwood Elementary School, located in a low-income, predominately Latino neighborhood, raise the passing percentage of its 700 students who took the Fitnessgram test from 36 percent in 2006-2007 to 60 percent in 2008-2009?
The answer lies within two individuals: Adriana Valenzual (HEAC School Sector Lead and Physical Education Advisor for Los Angeles Unified School District) and Zeph Lee, a physical education teacher at the school. It started with Valenzual’s strong belief that teaching kids how to be successful in fun activities will provide them with skills that they can use the rest of their lives. After receiving a grant from the California Endowment, she and the school asked Lee to help them make her dream a reality.
"We have quality before-school and after-school programs carefully coordinated by the physical education teacher and the after-school organization, A World Fit for Kids," says Valenzuela. "All programs work together as part of a larger school district policy on health and wellness, creating a seamless approach to instruction and consistent messaging."
The Fitnessgram test is the core of Norwood’s effective physical education strategy, and uses games and other activities incorporating “mental strategies” to keep students engaged in what they’re doing. Students are encouraged to keep journals to track their progress, which includes recording their heart rate every day (at rest, while exercising, and post-activity). The kids are driven to stay focused with an award system based on individual improvement. "It is amazing what a bulletin board and certificates do for a student to improve," said Valenzual.
Besides Mr. Lee’s positive high-energy and the student’s dedication, three things have been key to the survival and success of Norwood's physical education program: mandatory ongoing participation by all teachers, support from administrators, and high rates of voluntary participation by parents.
The Latino Nutrition Coalition applauds Ms. Valenzual, Mr. Lee and anyone who has ever dedicated themselves to improving the health and wellness of a student.
- Sarita
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