BUILDING FRIENDSHIP, LEADERSHIP, AND INCLUSION THROUGH PARTNER PE
Partner PE is a program unlike any other. It is an opportunity for students who are on grade level to help special ed peers develop leadership skills, increase social skills, and improve self-esteem in addition to working on physical and motor skills. During the program, the Partners in PE Coaches cover the TEKS required for on-level students to earn their PE credit utilizing the Region 10 Partners in PE curriculum. This allows for more individualized learning and instruction by enabling their special education peers to participate in a wider variety of recreational skills and sports due to the hands-on assistance of their partner.
The program includes an application process. Students can apply or are recommended by a teacher or coach to apply. The best part is the true friendships that develop between those participating in the program. The inclusive environment enables each student to learn leadership skills and, most importantly, empathy.
We asked a few of our students to answer the following questions, 1) Why do you like this program? 2) How does it shape you as a person? And 3) How does it help the person you are partnered with?
XANDER DOZIER, LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL, JUNIOR
1. For me, this program gives me an opportunity to help with the kids that might not be as fortunate as me and build connections with them. The bond between me and some of the kids there, especially the ones that I have grown up with, is special and just makes me so happy when I get to spend time with them.
2. It personally humbles me and makes me very thankful for what I am able to do and the opportunities I have. I want to be there for these kids who might not have it as fortunate as everyone else. This Program has shaped me to be more optimistic for the little things, now that it is more abundant to me that some people out there might not be able to do some of the simple things that I can do.
3. I think that this program helps these students create new friends and bonds with some new people. Since we can only be with them for one period, they get excited to see us and hang out with us. I love it when we get to the gym and the kids will walk into the gym, find their partner and just go over to them and start talking with them and just enjoying the company of someone new.
PAIGE HALL, LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL, JUNIOR
1. I like this program because it gives me the opportunity to see the world outside the community I am used to, and because all the kids are so amazing with each of their unique personalities.
2. It shapes me as a person because I’ ve learned how to be more patient and understanding through this program.
3. It helps my partner by giving them someone to play and interact with and to have friends in school when they only get so many opportunities to build those relationships with other students.
LINCOLN SCHROEDER, LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL, SENIOR
1. I love to help out the kids in the class by teaching them how to play different sports and be a great team player.
2. I think it shapes me as a person because it teaches me how to be kind and humble and helps me to have patience.
3. Having a partner helps me create a closer bond with students, and it is my favorite class that I have as a senior.
6 MANSFIELDTODAY