The support of parents and other responsible adults is critical to the development of children and youth. Research is proving that connectedness to parents and school is vital for young people asthey mature. Parents and other significant adults provide the necessary support for school health and physical activity programs to succeed in meeting the needs of young people and their communities. They also supply the guidance that ensures that school health programs reflect community values.

Established in 1926, the Society of State Directors of Health, Physical Education and Recreation is a professional association whose members supervise and coordinate programs in health, physical education, and related fields within state departments of education. Associate members are those who are interested in the goals and programs of the Society who do not work within a state education agency.

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Review our Basic Beliefs

SSDHPER Purposes:

• Help shape national and state policy defining and supporting comprehensive school health and physical education programs.
  
• Link state health, physical education and recreation leaders with their counterparts in other states.
  
• Work to forge school/family/community linkages in support of school health, physical education and recreation programs.
  
• Foster professional growth and the development of leadership and advocacy skills.
  
• Help resolve complex issues in education and health reform.
  
• Provide leadership in the effort to link postsecondary institutions to school districts for improvement in curriculum, instruction and assessment.
  
• Provide a supportive network of professional and social relationships among members.
  
• Provide training and workshops for members to help them increase capacity to improve comprehensive school health education and programs within their states.

Dr. Joycelyn Elders to Keynote the Society's Annual Meeting! Find out more!

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