Obesity is Still an Issue

Michigan Getting Aggressive
The fight against obesity has become stale due to overuse of the term. Luckily a lot of decision makers have not given up on this issue. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (R) unveiled a series of proposals to tackle health issues in his state and chief amongst them is childhood obesity. He is trying to partner with state agencies schools, farmers and doctors to develop programs to encourage healthy eating and physical activity amongst the youth of Michigan. Included in his proposal is the tracking of BMI (Body Mass Index) of students over time.
Analysis: Advocates for physical education wants to move away from the term 'fight against obesity' to the term 'increase of physical activity'. They point out that obesity is the symptom while inactivity and poor nutrition are the causes. The 'fight' is therefore aimed at the wrong solution.They might have a point!
The measurement of Body Mass Index has always been a bone of contention. It is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. Problem is that it scewer outcomes of performance athletes. However, it is pretty accurate for the general population when height and weight is measured accurately and a very good form of non-invasive data collection for all ages. Given that 20% - 30% over normal weight is considered obese and increase the risk of many preventative diseases, it is very good to measure it regularly.

Technology is Becoming part of the Education Framework Globally
Two new low-cost alternatives to Apple iPad tablet computer were released last week with the intention of providing new access to technology for students who could otherwise not afford it. KOED.org (10/11) reports that the Aakash tablet will allow unprecedented access to e-texts and other resources for students in India. The solar-powered I-Slate is set to be priced around $50 and offers a version of the handheld blackboards used by many students around the world. In Africa. more people with have access to mobile phones than electricity. Growing mobile technologies are allowing distance learning in African schools and universities and assisting in teaching primary schools in Tanzania , Kenia, and South Africa.
Analysis: When mentioning the prediction that more than 50% of students in the USA will not be tutored in a traditional school building by 2020, the reaction ranges from shock to confirmed dementia. It is interesting to see how developing countries are embracing all forms of technology to provide education while we fight about standards and test scores. These 'new learners' will have a competitive edge by default due to technology applications and irrespective of test results!
Michael Cordier

Good to be Back

Dear Readers - It is a pleasure to be back after a hiatus of four months over the summer. Interesting changes have taken place in our fields of interest and the hope is to report and comment on these on a weekly basis. As always an attempt is made to specifically cover domestic and international news about health, wellness, physical education and fitness and the development of the whole child in general.

Community College Readiness in Two Years?
Edweek.org (10/3/11) reported that 21 high schools in four states are piloting an academic program that are aimed at readying all students for community college by the end of the second year in high school. Academic programs are divided into 'lower division' and 'upper division' and the goal is for every student to either enter a community college, university or a vocational program after graduation.

Comment: This approach has been tried and tested with much success in the United Kingdom and other countries. 'Lower Division' students can choose from the ACT's QualityCore program or Cambridge's General Level program. 'Upper Division' can choose from Cambridge International A and AS level programs, International Baccalaureate program or the College Board's Advanced Placement International Diploma program. This approach allows better tracking of students and help guidance councilors tremendously. It also provides students with definite career goals or at least make them think about a future after school.

Students Bypass Health Choices
Who would have thought? The New York Times (10/2/11) reports that students at Commack High School on Long Island, NY is not gravitating in droves to healthier choices in vending machines. Says one student, "I can get apples for free at home!" Sales in the first three weeks of September is less than a third of what is normally sold through vending machines.
Comment: It is going to take time to get students on a healthy path. Body weight took 20 years to get out of hand so don't expect that legislation will change habits overnight.
Michael Cordier