Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Programs for Higher Education
Advisor
John A. Morgan, Jr.
Committee Member
Kenneth E. Varcoe
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
Alabama, Calhoun Community College, college programs, community colleges, community health, course offerings, curriculum, educational funding, educational institutions, employees, enrollment, expert committees, health benefits, health habits, Health and Physical Education, higher education, physical activity, Physical Education, physical inactivity, program development, program planning, research methodology, students, surveys, transfer students, universities
Abstract
The current economic decline in Alabama has meant that educational institutions have had to deal with serious financial shortfalls and budget cuts. The problem facing Calhoun Community College is that funding cuts have resulted in an 80% reduction of the Physical Education department at a time when the administration has an interest in future long-term growth, physical education courses remain a viable option for students, and there is an increased awareness of the concomitant health benefits. This applied dissertation was designed to provide a comprehensive plan for the Physical Education department to meet the needs of the students by remaining viable during a period of reduced educational funding in Alabama.
Major research questions focused on obtaining current and insightful information about the status and future of Physical Education. The procedures used were the development methodology and research methodology. Procedures included surveys of similar community college programs and current Calhoun Community College students as well as the advice and subsequent validation of expert committees to guide the development of the plan. An analysis of the data revealed that physical education enrollment may increase as a result of a variety of course offerings based on students’ needs and interest. The program plan will enhance the health of students, employees, and the community by increasing physical activity and improving health habits. This project may improve the success of students by preparing transfer students adequately for Health and Physical Education requirements at upper-level universities.
This applied dissertation will enhance the services and credibility of Calhoun Community College. The college may be established as a model in physical education for improving the lifestyles of students, employees, and community by assisting in the reversal of physical inactivity and the decline of health.