November 6, 2016

Dr. Jones
Arizona Middle School
11045 Arizona Ave.
Riverside, CA 92503

Dear Dr. Jones:

I teach students from all grade levels (6th, 7th, and 8th) whose focus is primarily on achieving
Physical Education Model Content Standards three through five. I’d like to take a different
approach as to how the students meet these standards. These standards are more challenging to
reach because it takes time to accomplish them. Also, because they concentrate on students
ability to “[assess themselves, make self adjustment and progress], work cooperatively with a
group, identify and apply basic principles to weight training and safety practices, accept roles of
each group member, model support for individuals of all ability levels, and encourage others to
be supportive” (California Department of Education, 2010). The best method in helping the
students achieve these standards is with the help of technology. I have compiled a software list of
items that would lead the students to success in meeting both the Physical Education and NETS
standards.

The Google chromebooks would be very helpful instruments that could help enhance student
learning in the classroom by giving students access to the Internet. On the internet students can
play instructional games that can be found on websites such as kids.gov, choosemyplate.gov, and
kidshealth.gov that can teach health, nutrition, and exercise content. Also, the internet can come
in handy to help students view tutorials that can teach them new games (rules, purpose,
equipment needed, etc.) and demonstrate how to perform sport specific skills correctly. In
addition, the Google Chromebooks will be able to provide students’ access to a free Google
drive, in which they can store their files permanently. Google drive grants free access to the
common office suites such as: word, presentation, and excel. Students can utilize these programs
like excel to record their data such as their mile time, pacer laps, push ups/sit ups count, and sit-
up count. I can also have them create a weekly diary on word to help them to “process data and
report results” as part of meeting NETS-S 3 standards. Using the internet for the functions
mentioned above could help students meet not only the physical education standards but also
NETS-S 5 & 6 standards, which state that they will acquire “digital citizenship, and understand
and use technology systems” (ISTE, 2008). As the physical educator I could meet the NATS-T 1,
2, 3, & 4 standards which state “facilitating and inspiring student learning, communicate variety
digital age media and formats, promote and model digital citizenship, and demonstrate fluency in
technology systems” (ISTE, 2008). Giving them the tools and foundation could lead me to
teaching success as well.

The Nintendo Wii Fit + would help students achieve the rhythmic skills state standards that are
often neglected in a physical education program. Physical Education Model Content Standards
1.7 and 1.8 would be met which state, students “develop, refine, and demonstrate routines to
music” (California Department of Education, 2010). Also, having this program could be helpful
on days when conditions are “atypical such as weather (over 95 degrees), travel, and injury” as
stated in standard 3.6 (California Department of Education, 2010). This would be by far the best
interactive, motivating, collaborative activity in which students can be actively engaged all at
once. What is great about the Fit+ is that there are a variety of video routines to choose from
such as aerobics, yoga, and strength training exercises. This exergaming fitness system creates
opportunities for students to be leaders, and supporters of their teammates as noted in NETS-S
standard 2 (Collaboration & Communication). For example, one student is chosen to be the class
leader to set the pace on the Wii fit balance board, while everyone else follows the class leader’s
pace off the projector screen. The goal is to designate every student at least once to be the class
leader to give them the opportunity to take on the leadership goal, while teaching everyone to
encourage one another to participate in teamwork.

The Tri-Axis Pedometer is a highly accurate device that would help students’ self-monitor their
step count, distance traveled, and calories burned on a daily basis. This is a great device that can
help encourage students to be more conscious of their health and exercise behaviors. In return
this device could also help motivate the students to get more steps in, which increases their
distance, and burn more calories.

As you can see the software programs mentioned could play such a huge role on student learning
and achievement. We are now living in a new generation of fitness waiting to be explored. The
pedometers, exergaming fitness system and games, and the Google chromebooks can make it all
possible. I hope you take my grant proposal into consideration.

Sincerely,

Janet Castro
Physical Education Teacher