Evaluation of a program to expand use of sport education model: Teachers’ perception and experience

Although physical education (PE) is spread all around the world and the large amount of physical activity policies focused on childhood at schools, there is a big difference between policy and real-life practice at schools. The main objectives of this study were 1) to know the diffusion and main features of Sport Education at schools in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) through the program Proyectos Escolares Saludables (PES, in English, Healthy Schools Project, HSP); 2) to know teachers’ perceptions of the impact of Sport Education in their everyday teaching practice. During three academic years (2016/2017; 2017/2018 and 2018/2019), 181 Primary and Secondary schools participated in the HSP. Data from 91 of them were analysed through an ad hoc self-report. The results showed that during the first year of permanence in the HSP, 337 seasons were implemented according to Sport Education in these 91 schools. In relation to their perception, teachers showed a positive perception of educational potential of Sport Education compared to his previous teaching practice, highlighting students’ motivation, content learning and development of responsibilities. In conclusion, the general teachers’ perception who have implemented Sport Education in Castilla-La Mancha through HSP highlights the great educational potential of this pedagogical model, as well as that the teacher training process has been adequate. In turn, the inclusion of new methodologies in school projects promoted by educational authorities seems to be an ideal means for the teachers’ professional development.This study was funded within the collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (JCCM) and the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) for the development of programs to promote physical activity and sport: plan of promotion of physical activity, sport and values at school age (CONV180322). Yessica Segovia, co-author of the article is the beneficiary of a predoctoral contract for the training of research staff, (I+D+i; 2018-CPUCLM-7487) capable of co-financing by the European Social Fund [2018/12504]