Background/Purpose: This study examined 2nd and 3rd grade students' motor skill competency as a result of participating in a PEP grant intervention.
Method: Nine physical education (PE) teachers were trained to use the PE Metrics Assessment Rubrics during workshops in PEP year 1. 1,000 + students in grades 2-3 were assessed on four motor skills by their PE teacher using the PE Metrics rubrics during a regular physical education lesson in PEP years 2 and 3.
Analysis/Results: To examine group differences, a t-test indicated that the year 3 cohort statistically outperformed the year 2 cohort on jumping and landing (M year2 = 6.62, M year3 =7.28, t = -14.5, p < .01), catching skill (M year2 19.96, M year3 = 21.03, t = -6.9, p <.01), and dribbling and jogging (M year2 = 9.33, M year 3 = 10.19, t = -12.2, p <.01), but not on locomotor sequence. To examine gender differences, a t-test indicated that boys statistically scored higher than girls on overhand catching (M boys = 10.59, M girls = 10.18, t = 4.4, p < .01) and dribbling and jogging. Girls statistically outperformed boys on locomotor sequence (M boys = 7.14, M girls = 7.30, t = -2.5, p < .01), but not on jumping and landing
Conclusions: The participants reached competent level in four skills. The year 3 cohort was more competent than the year 2 cohort on three skills The boys performed better than the girls on two manipulative skills, but not locomotor skills.
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