Alabama's National Archery in the School's Program
“Not everyone can dunk the ball, tackle, or run fast. However, as a young lady from Hubbertville School said, “I can do this!”
A physical education curriculum entitled, Archery: “On Target for Life” was co-created by the Kentucky Department’s of Education and Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Resources in the spring of 2002. A similar program was implemented in 16 of Alabama's middle schools in 2003.
Approximately 75 Alabama middle schools applied for inclusion in the pilot program conducted during the spring of 2003. A committee comprised of State Department of Education and Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries employees selected two schools from each of the eight state school districts for inclusion in the program. The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries provided the equipment to each of the 16 pilot schools.
Designed to teach Olympic-style target archery in 6th-8th 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 $2,350. The goal of this program is to provide middle school children with the ingredients to become involved in a life skill that has no barriers. Unlike many school activities, students of all sizes can easily be involved in archery.
Teachers Report:
- Students are enthusiastic about learning archery
- Student behavior and attendance is improved on archery days
- Students that historically resisted PE class are eager to participate in archery
- Students who excel in archery class are not only the stereotypical athletes
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“Floyd Middle Magnet School pursued implementation of the National Archery in Schools Program to introduce students to one of many outdoor recreational activities. It is beneficial to introduce students to life skills such as archery, hiking, boating, camping, fishing, and rock climbing. These activities can be pursued throughout a lifetime by people of all physical stature and abilities. In a time when obesity is at an all time high among our young people, we welcome another venue of healthy physical activity for our students.” Ron Ashley, Physical Education Teacher, Floyd Middle Magnet School - Montgomery, AL
“The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division is extremely pleased teachers and students have enthusiastically embraced Alabama's National Archery in Schools Program. Archery is a lifetime skill suitable for everyone. We welcome the opportunity to assist in implementing this program throughout Alabama." Corky Pugh, Director - Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
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Coach Ron Ashley of Floyd Middle Magnet School and a student learning the basics of olympic style archery. |
Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries employees will conduct a National Archery Association Level 1 Training Workshop at the following locations:
August 5, 2004 Isabella High School Chilton County 8:00 AM
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Click here to download a pdf document regarding Alabama's Archery in Schools Program
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To learn more about the program and to make this physical education curriculum available to your student body contact Ray Metzler, Hunter Education Coordinator of the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at 1-800-245-2740 or e-mail rmetzler@dcnr.state.al.us |
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