Whole Child Approach in a Physical Education Program

Abstract

A high school in the northwestern United States has a student population composed primarily of low income and minority students. Yet something that sets the school apart is a four-year graduation rate of 95%. While it is difficult to determine all of the factors that contribute to this academic success, this article explains students' perceptions of how they have reached success through a physical education performance-training program. This program is widely recognized across the state as a top program for students' physical and academic achievement. Current and past students from this program describe the positive effect it has had on their lives, in more than just the physical realm. The students take pride in their health, take on challenges, and support one another in a caring, supportive environment that helps them develop into leaders and future graduates. The emergent themes align with those of the Whole Child approach, which aims for students to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged, and is supported by SHAPE America.