Leadership Institute Fellows

Treeswing’s Get Fit – Get Smart! partnership with Seattle Public Schools is moving through its second year, with the completion of the curriculum research and adoption phase of the collaboration. On February 13 the Seattle School Board unanimously approved adoption of the new Five for Life PE curriculum. This marks the first time a PE curriculum will be implemented in grades K-12, district-wide in Seattle!

“This curriculum brings everyone on board with regard to equitable standards district-wide, creates an on-going system of professional development for ALL physical education teachers, and on-going performance and knowledge based assessments. This will prepare students for the classroom-based assessments required by the state,” shares Lori Dunn, PE Manager of Seattle Public Schools. She believes that Seattle will create a model PE program for districts across the country to replicate.

The adoption represents 15 months of work by the PE Curriculum Adoption Committee, Treeswing, and SPS staff. This process concluded in September as the PE Adoption Committee completed its analysis of the curriculum choices. The committee unanimously decided to recommend Focused Fitness’ Five for Life curriculum to be used district- wide in grades kindergarten through 12.  “The Physical Education Curriculum Adoption Committee has spent the last year taking a hard, honest look at the existing program in the Seattle Public Schools and what curriculum would best need their program needs” said facilitator Ted Vaughn.

Committee member Jeanne Bastasch, PE teacher at Greenwood Elementary, is pleased with the Seattle School Board’s decision and believes the health-oriented curriculum will “engage all students, regardless of skill level, in exciting activities that will give them the basic knowledge they need to make better lifestyle choices as they age. Integrating health and fitness concepts in an active, fun physical education environment is a good first step in reversing the inactivity and obesity epidemics we’re facing.” The Five for Life curriculum will be launched in 8-10 schools in 2008-09 to gather baseline data and evaluate the implementation, followed by full district roll-out in the 2009-10 school year.

Treeswing is proud to be a partner in this exciting effort. We believe that achieving systemic change through schools provides a key opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s health behaviors. Treeswing is raising $275,000 for the $750,000 project, which will reach more than 46,000 students, including 57% from ethnic minorities and 40% from low-income families — the highest risk groups for obesity.