COLUMBUS -- Daryl Siedentop, former interim dean of the College of Education and professor of sport and exercise science, will direct The Ohio State University's pre-school through 12th-grade outreach and engagement initiative.

The P-12 Project will combine Ohio State's teaching, research and service capacities to help improve Ohio's public schools, particularly the education of children and youths in high-poverty areas, Siedentop said. Preliminary plans for the initiative are outlined in the university's Academic Plan.

"The P-12 Project is an opportunity for Ohio State to fulfill its land-grant mission in this new century," Siedentop said. "Improving access has been a key goal in the land-grant tradition, but until the quality of schools for underserved children and youths is improved, their access to participation in the social and economic mainstream is severely limited. I am humbled and excited to be leading Ohio State's efforts."

The John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy approved the P-12 initiative Oct. 13 as one of its affiliated programs.

Siedentop, a resident of WESTERVILLE, joined the College of Education faculty in 1970 and in 1976 was named a professor of sport and exercise science. He is one of the world's leading authorities on sport education for children and youth, and is considered an influential scholar in the analysis of teaching effectiveness in physical activity settings. In recognition of his achievements, Siedentop was made a Fellow of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Before his appointment as interim dean of the College of Education in June 1998, Siedentop was the senior associate dean for faculty, research and international affairs.

"Dr. Siedentop's achievements, dedication to improving education and sound judgment have earned him broad respect," said Edward J. Ray, executive vice president and provost. "We are very fortunate to have him lend his expertise to the university's P-12 initiative. I am certain that under his leadership, this university-wide effort with the College of Education in the lead college role will significantly expand and enhance the effectiveness of our commitment to P-12 education, with special attention on improving the education of underserved children and youths."

Siedentop received a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Hope College, Holland, Mich.; a Master of Arts in education from Western Michigan University; and a doctorate from Indiana University in physical education.

Among his many honors, Siedentop has received Distinguished Alumni awards from Hope College and Indiana University. He was the 1998 recipient of the C.H. McCloy Honor Award from the Research Consortium of the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, which also named him an Alliance Scholar in 1995.

###

(LO)