Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Mission

The HPER program mission is to prepare highly skilled educators/leaders dedicated to fostering lifelong health and wellness in all learners. The HPER program offers comprehensive programs in Health and Physical Education Teacher Education and Sport, Fitness, and Recreation Management, blending theoretical foundations with practical competencies.  The program will develop the philosophies, knowledge, and skills necessary to advance professionals who will make lasting impacts on the High Plains region and beyond.

Student Leaning Outcomes - Sport, Fitness, and Recreation Management

  • Students will participate in scholarly activities and services that promote student development by encouraging professional involvement, community service, certification, and lifelong learning.
  • Students will develop an understanding of and be able to develop effective leadership styles to successfully enter management positions in the field of sports, fitness, and recreation.
  • Students will demonstrate competency in skills needed to design, implement, and administer a variety of programs and activities in the field of Exercise and Fitness, Sports, Community and Adventure Recreation, Recreation, and Leisure Services.
  • Students will develop an understanding of and be able to contribute to the enhancement in the overall quality of life for participants in the field of sports, fitness, and recreation.
  • Students will design and outline outcomes for the development of a recreation program for their specific field.
  • Students will gain a basic understanding and knowledge regarding key management functions to include but not limited to legal liability to protect participant safety and fiscal management to ensure program viability.

Student Learning Outcomes - Health Education

Mastery of Health Behavior Theories

  • ​Students will understand major health behavior theories and apply them in health promotion strategies.

Utilization of Health-Related Data

  • Students will acquire skills to collect, analyze, and interpret health-related data and apply information to evidence and skills-based curriculum and lessons.

Competency in Conducting Health Assessment

  • Students will research and conduct appropriate health assessment, aligning with the WSCC model, to meet the needs of individuals, program, and community.

Effective Communication, Advocacy, and Professional Growth

  • Students will demonstrate effective communication skills to engage stakeholders, advocate for health education initiatives, while actively seeking opportunities to enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies as a health educator.

Student Learning Outcomes - Physical Education

Proficiency in Core Concepts of Physical Education

  • Students will exhibit competency in fundamental concepts of physical education, applying them effectively in reflective teaching practices.

Application of Instruction Strategies

  • Students will apply effective instructional strategies and technology to design and implement developmentally appropriate physical education programs and lessons.

Management of Learning Environment

  • Students will develop skills in creating safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments for physical activity.

Collaboration and Communication

  • Students will collaborate effectively with and advocate for stakeholders to support student well-being in physical education, while actively seeking opportunities to enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies as a physical educator.