Embrace, not discourage, alternate P.E. proposal

I have been a teacher for 15 years, and hope to never proclaim myself "expert" in several matters. However I taught Galen MacDonald who is not on the road to adult obesity, whose skills in working within a team serve him very well, and who is well-rounded in his understanding of self-care. The question is whether actualizing the intention of a P.E. curriculum in one's own life can meet the needs of the public system.

School personnel rightfully fear that allowing students alternate routes to obtain credit disrupts the system. Receiving a unique education defies the industry standard. Yet there is no need to fear in this regard because individualized educational plans are routine.

A different fear is that students will be unprepared for college and life if the content of courses is not carefully prescribed. However, in college, credits are awarded for diverse activities while student athletes even earn credit for intercollegiate athletics. What's better preparation for lifelong enjoyment of physical activities than awarding credit to students for activities they have self-selected?

The primary fear of teachers is job loss. Yes, many athletes may follow Galen's lead in this petition, and may pursue the alternate route. However, remaining students will either want to participate in P.E. or may require ideas for becoming more physically active. The need will remain.

Kudos, Galen! Win, lose, or draw — you are actualizing the ideals of a participatory democracy, which is in fact one of the most important goals of public education.

JULIE WILLIAMS

Naples