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About SPARK Workshops

How do I host a SPARK Workshop at my school/district/agency?

SPARK makes it easy to bring a Certified SPARK Trainer to your school or agency.

First...

Choose a SPARK program(s):

• Early Childhood
• K-2 Physical Education (PE)
• 3-5 PE
• Middle School PE
• High School PE
• After School (Active Recreation)

Choose a level:

• Premium (12 hours of training, 2 full days)
• Standard (6 hours, 1 full day)

SPARK takes up to 40 attendees at each workshop -- combine with other schools or agencies to share costs.

What is a SPARK workshop like?
SPARK workshops are FUN, "hands-on," and specially designed to meet the needs of the host school(s), district, or agency. Participants learn by doing, and become motivated by a dynamic staff of educators (many are former national teachers of the year, and/or program authors). SPARK uses a variety of advanced pedagogical skills to move physical education/activity programs and their teachers forward with a unique, "obesity prevention approach" to instruction.

SPARK workshop participants receive carefully selected handouts, motivational prizes earned during the workshop(s), SPARK Certification, a SPARK banner for their school, and are eligible for a unit of credit from San Diego State University (Premium Program only).

Additionally, SPARK staff assist in promoting physical activity throughout the day (e.g., before school, during lunch, intramurals, and after school). All planning, organizing, and consultation on any and all physical activity matters is provided as part of any SPARK workshop program.

• Goal:
  To provide strategies and tips to increase the quantity and quality of physical education/activity classes; and promote the maintenance of physical activity away from class as part of a healthy lifestyle.

• Inservice Methodology:
  The three primary factors that contribute to a successful staff development program will be utilized. They are:

  1. foster teacher/youth leader awareness regarding the goals of SPARK and how they may differ from current programs;
  2. provide ongoing, skill-specific training;
  3. solicit and encourage group interaction, feedback, and support.

• Inservice Outcomes: Participants will learn:

  1. organizational, management, and instructional techniques necessary to teach active physical education;
  2. how to develop, maintain, and increase student health and physical fitness;
  3. how to improve fundamental movement and sports skills;
  4. how to motivate children/adolescents to become active outside of school;
  5. techniques that encourage students to commit to a lifetime of health and physical fitness;
  6. a pathway towards instructional alignment and standards-based teaching (elementary and middle school PE specialists only -- Premium level)