“Not everyone can dunk the ball, tackle, or run fast. However, as a
young lady from North Pulaski M.S. said, “I can do this!”
A physical education
curriculum entitled, Archery: “On Target for Life” co-created by the
Departments of Education and Fish & Wildlife Resources was implemented
in 100 of Kentucky’s middle schools in 2002.
Designed to teach Olympic-style target
archery in 4th-12th grades, core content covers archery history, safety,
technique, equipment, mental concentration, and self-improvement. Before
presenting the 2-week archery course, teachers undergo a 12-hour National Archery Association
Level I archery-training program.
Students shoot at bullseye targets placed
before an arrow resistant net in their gymnasium. Equipment used is
state-of-the art and designed to fit every student. Thanks to support from the
archery industry, the $4,800 equipment “kits” can be purchased by schools
for $2,600. More than 270,000 students are expected to take the two week
curriculum each year.
| Teachers Report:
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Students are enthusiastic about learning archery
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Student behavior and attendance is improved on archery days
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Students that historically resisted PE class are eager to participate in archery
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Students who excel in archery class are not only the stereotypical
athletes
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