Components and issues of an exemplary middle level physical education program: expert opinion

A serious crisis stemming from a lack of quality programs, support, and clear direction currently faces secondary physical education throughout the United States. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the components of an exemplary middle level physical education program and the issues facing the implementation of such a program. A three round modified Delphi questionnaire was employed to obtain consensus from a national panel of sixty experts in the fields of physical education, middle level education, and middle level physical education. The final analysis of data resulted in a consensus-based list of components of an exemplary middle level physical education program and the critical issues facing the implementation of such a program. With the identification of the important components and issues, perhaps a clear definition and direction for change will begin to emerge to help improve the lack of identity, poor conditions, and marginality that currently plague middle level physical education.