FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2020

SPARK Selected As Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) K-12 Physical Education Curriculum


Owatonna, Minn. — Gopher is excited to announce that SPARK was recently selected as the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) K-12 Physical Education Curriculum.

DoDEA operates 160 schools in 8 Districts located in 11 countries, 7 states, and 2 territories across 10 time zones. There are 996,069 military connected children of all ages worldwide, of which more than 69,000 (6.9%) are enrolled in DoDEA schools and served by approximately 8,700 educators.

“SPARK is honored to be selected once again as DoDEA’s PE curriculum of choice,” said SPARK Executive Director Julie Frank. “This builds upon SPARK’s previous work with DoDEA. We are dedicated to ensuring DoDEA teachers have the resources and support they need to provide quality researched-based physical education content and instruction worldwide. It’s rewarding to know SPARK is playing a role in physical fitness and healthy lifestyles among military students across the globe.”

SPARK – The World’s Most Researched Physical Education & Physical Activity Programs – offered exclusively through Gopher will be available for DoDEA health and physical education teachers to positively impact military connected students worldwide. SPARK will provide SPARK K-12 PE Curriculum and Inclusive Guidebook (digital instructional resources) via SPARKfamily.org and professional learning (professional development) via SPARKecademy.org.

To start off the 2020/2021 school year, SPARK will provide two 1-hr professional learning sessions for both Elementary and Secondary health and physical education teachers. In addition, there will be future quarterly SPARK professional learning opportunities.

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About Department of Defense Education Activity

DoDEA, as one of only two Federally-operated school systems, is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing prekindergarten through 12th grade educational programs on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD). DoDEA is globally positioned, operating 160 accredited schools in 8 districts located in 11 foreign countries, 7 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Mission: Educate, Engage, and Empower military-connected students to succeed in a dynamic world. Vision: Excellence in Education for Every Student, Every Day, Everywhere. For more information, visit www.dodea.edu.

About SPARK

With 30+ years of dedication to evidence, innovation, and impact, SPARK offers the most researched physical education and physical activity programs in the world for PreK through 12th grade, both in and out of school. Over 50 publications prove SPARK works and lasts! SPARK provides curricula that aligns with SHAPE America’s National Standards for K-12 Physical Education, staff development training, equipment, and lifetime support. SPARK’s mission is to create, implement, and evaluate programs that promote lifetime wellness. It is specifically dedicated to increasing the quantity and quality of physical education. For more information, visit www.sparkpe.org

About Gopher

For over 70 years, Gopher has built a strong reputation for helping physical education, athletics, and fitness professionals achieve their goals. Their dedication to high-quality, innovative equipment and superior customer care have made them the trusted source in physical education. Gopher’s passion for the products they sell guarantees teachers and PE programs they serve will be satisfied – or their money back! With their unconditional 100% satisfaction guarantee and exceptional customer service, Gopher has become the #1 choice of teachers. For more information, visit www.gophersport.com