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I found this article interesting because at first I saw it as absurd. How could something like a virtual physical education even exist? The more I read it, the more I saw the concerns that students are feeling discomfort and not enjoying PE like they used to. Virtual PE allows for an interesting take that allows them to learn dancing or other exercises with the use of screens or virtual reality headsets. I believe this could be an option for those that struggle in PE class, but I do not think it would be a good replacement for PE class.

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Physical education plays a big role in keeping kids active in an era dominated by screens. But as technology is increasingly incorporated into schools and classrooms, can it also be leveraged to get them moving?

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I found this article to be relatable, because I remember being in the same position as these girls when I was in grade school. This article found a link between body image and physical education grades, when girls are dissatisfied with their body image, they receive lower grades. I believe that this study could be used to re-evaluate how physical education courses are graded as it seems to have a focus on a letter grade rather than the physical education of the children.

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I enjoyed this article as it is showing a university taking initiative to help grade schools with their physical education programs. If selected by the University, Oklahoma based schools could receive up to $10,000 towards exercise equipment and professional development. I believe this program is great, as there are many underfunded schools that cannot afford to do this without this new initiative.

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Media Contact: Sydney Trainor | Communications and Media Relations Specialist | 405-744-9782 | sydney.trainor@okstate.edu

K-12 schools statewide gain access to enhanced physical education resources through partnerships and virtual-knowledge sharing program

Oklahoma State University is supporting Oklahoma Pre-K through 12th grade schools in enhancing physical education through a partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Schools selected for the initiative may receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement for exercise equipment, along with mentoring, professional development, and participation in a virtual community of practice led by OSU's Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute and OSU Center for Health Sciences Project ECHO.

The Competitive Grants for High-Quality Physical Education Instruction is a partnership between OSDE and the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. OSDE is collaborating with OSU where the selected schools are automatically enrolled in the virtual learning program - Building Healthy School Communities ECHO .

Apply Now

OSDE's 2026 Competitive Grant for High-Quality Physical Education Instruction application

Applications due: June 30

Learn more and apply online
"Following the success of our first Building Healthy School Communities ECHO cohort last spring, the Oklahoma State Department of Education saw the impact of this 'all teach, all learn' model and expressed interest in partnering to strengthen physical education in schools," said Melenda Knight, HPNRI associate director. "This ECHO program connects schools committed to building healthier learning environments and equips them with expert guidance and practical tools to drive meaningful, lasting change."

This Project ECHO line is the first program of its kind nationwide to merge K-12 education and health care on a hybrid platform. It is a collaboration with OSU Center for Health Sciences and OSU Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute that aims to empower Oklahoma schools to enhance physical activity and healthy nutritional habits in targeted K-12 communities statewide by fostering open dialogue with subject matter experts on issues impacting students.

"Participating in the Building Healthy Schools Communities Project ECHO has given me a huge network of support with others in my field of health, nutrition and physical education," said Sarah Ulrich, ECHO hub team member. "It allows us to have connected experiences with other educators and professionals in the field of health and movement that implement practical and worthwhile experiences for students.

"It has been a great opportunity to directly connect with others in my line of work that focus on improving movement, health and overall well being of our next generation. The abundant number of resources that have been provided our group are an invaluable tool for creating and providing amazing experiences and opportunities for kids and their school and communities."

The pilot cohort launched in 2024 reaching individuals in five school districts throughout the 18-week program. In collaboration with OSDE, Oklahoma State Department of Health, and Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, the program has since expanded to over 60 schools varying in size from across Oklahoma.

Led by a team of experts, Project ECHO prioritizes providing resources for physical and health literacy, mental and emotional health for teachers and students, improving nutrition literacy and programs, and developing and communicating health/wellness vision to schools and communities.

The BHSC ECHO is one of 22 medical and educational ECHO programs across the OSU system designed to extend the university's network of teaching experts into rural Oklahoma with such learning platforms as pediatric obesity, athletic training, diabetes management, hypertension management, strength and conditioning, addiction, mental health and more.

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OSU partners with OSDE to elevate physical education in schools - Oklahoma State University

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Oklahoma State University is supporting Oklahoma Pre-K through 12th grade schools in enhancing physical education through a partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

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This article confirmed some thoughts I previously had about schools in Arizona, that recess outdoors can be extremely difficult due to the extreme heat. Arizona State University found that most children want recess to be outside, even in the extreme heat, but they found it to be widely unsafe at times as most playgrounds are exposed to full sun. They recommended schools to install shade structures and water fountains to ensure children do not face health issues related to the heat. I believe that physical activity is important no matter where you are located, and this is a great way to help those in extreme temperature situations.

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Helping elementary school kids stay active, even in the heat | ASU News

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According to the CDC, young students are recommended to get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Movement helps students focus better in class, perform better on tests and also improves levels of physical fitness.So what happens when children are unable to get daily physical activity?

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I learned from this article that homeschoolers often struggle with physical education as they are usually limited to their own backyard if anything at all. This article showed that Sanford is making efforts to bring homeschooled students to an indoor turf facility to receive a proper physical education. The program allows students to enroll and participate, helping them learn physical education and get active. I believe this is very important as homeschooled children often lack this level of physical education and it can be overlooked in their curriculum.

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Sanford introduces physical education program for homeschooled children

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Sanford is launching a physical education class for Fargo-area home-schooled students, giving kids access to new drills and equipment this fall.