In 2001, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) created a lengthy position statement identifying specific, research-based guidelines for high quality teaching of physical education. A commonly held notion is that these guidelines, universally referred to as the developmentally appropriate practices (DAPs) facilitate achievement of the national standards in PE, yet little evidence exists regarding the extent to which teachers are implementing these practices (Logan, Lambdin, Ramirez, & Farr, 2000; Chen 2006). Therefore, this study was designed to examine current perceptions and practices of sixth-grade PE teachers as related to the DAPs. Data were collected through a 58-item, online survey (created using the DAP policy document) followed by 120 minute interviews with 26 full-time middle school physical educators. This summer grant will be used to conduct an in-depth analysis, using axial and selective coding, of the interview data collected for the project. After completing the analysis, I will prepare and submit a manuscript for publication in a refereed, research journal as well as present my work at the CART May Celebration
