Alpine Certification Guide REVISED FALL 2015

Transcription

1 Alpine Certification Guide REVISED FALL 2015

2 Table of Contents Alpine Certification Guide... 1 PSIA-NW Mission Statement... 3 The Purpose of this Guide... 4 Industry Information... 5 Related Organizations... 6 Policies and Procedures... 8 Registered Level Registered Requirements Certified Level I Level I Requirements Certified Level II Level II Requirements Skiing Skills & Technical Understanding Teaching Module - Level II Certified Level III Level III Requirements Skiing Tasks & Technical Understanding Teaching Module - Level III PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 2

3 PSIA-NW Mission Statement Provide high quality educational resources and well-defined standards to aid our members in improving their teaching skills to better satisfy the needs and expectations of their customers in the enjoyment of downhill and nordic winter sports. ALPINE CERTIFICATION GUIDE, REVISED November 2014 Version Prepared by THE PROFESSIONAL SNOWSPORTS INSTRUCTORS OF AMERICA NORTHWEST (PSIA-NW) 338 N. Wenatchee Avenue Wenatchee, WA Phone: (206) Fax: (206) PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 3

4 The Purpose of this Guide The purpose of this guide is to provide exam candidates, trainers, divisional clinic leaders and examiners with an established outline to reference while preparing for, participating in and administering the PSIA-NW Certification Level I, II and III exams. This guide provides a framework to work from as candidates develop their skills, trainers and divisional clinic leaders assist in their development and examiners validate the results. The guide is intended to provide an outline for the interested parties and is by no means a complete educational training document. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to supplement their development with additional materials and resources. No one person, document or resource can prepare an individual for their certification process. Rather a combination of individuals, information and resources will provide the best blend of expertise for a wellrounded training pathway. Please take responsibility to familiarize yourself with the policies, procedures, formats and testing criteria before embarking on your certification pathway. If at any time in your training program or testing process you need clarification, it is your responsibility to ask qualified individuals for clarity. If you choose not to question and research the information, you will probably end up with a less than accurate perspective on the certification process. This perspective is bound to influence the outcome. Be accountable for your success! Individuals who can help answer questions: PSIA-NW (206) info@psia-nw.org Education and Certification Vice Presidents Executive Director Divisional Clinic Leaders Examiners School Trainers Ski and Snowboard School Directors/Owners PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 4

5 Industry Information The national organization representing snow sports instruction in the United States is the American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA), doing business as the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). The organization of PSIA and AASI is a member-oriented organization that represents more than 30,000 instructors in the United States. The organization is affiliated with the nine Divisions (see below). The Northwest division is one of the nine regional Divisions that represents instructors as well as schools in Washington, Oregon, Northern Idaho, Western Montana and Alyeska Alaska. Divisions by Region PSIA-AK Alaska Division PSIA-C Central Division PSIA-E Eastern Division PSIA-I Intermountain Division PSIA-NI Northern Intermountain Division PSIA-NRM Northern Rocky Mountain Division PSIA-NW Northwest Division PSIA-RM Rocky Mountain Division PSIA-W Western Division Professional Snowsports Instructors of America Northwest (PSIA-NW) PSIA-NW headquarters is physically located at 338 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA Phone: (206) , Fax: (206) , info@psia-nw.org, web: PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 5

6 Related Organizations National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) The National Ski Areas Association is the trade association for ski area owners and operators. It represents 329 alpine resorts that account for more than 90 percent of the skier/snowboarder visits nationwide. The association's primary objective is to meet the needs of ski area owners and operators nationwide and to foster, stimulate and promote growth in the industry. Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association (PNSAA) The Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association is a non-profit trade association, which represents the interests of alpine and nordic ski areas located in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Snowsports Industries America (SIA) SIA is a partner of the snow sports industry. SIA focuses on fueling ski and snowboard business with efficiency, growth and success. The National Ski and Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA) The NSSRA is the retail voice for the ski and snowboard industries and provides information and services needed to operate more successfully. They work closely with manufacturers and instructors on programs such as the professional equipment discount program that is available to qualified members of AASI and PSIA. The National Ski Patrol (NSP) The National Ski Patrol is the world s largest winter rescue organization. Since 1938 NSP has worked to care for the injured or those having difficulty in the mountain environment, but their primary work is in preventing the problems that can confront those involved in outdoor winter activities through rider and skier education. They work closely with PSIA AASI and NSAA to promote safety. The Special Olympics Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 6

7 The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) The Ski and Snowboard Association is the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding in the U.S. Founded in 1904, this century-old organization provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders who share an Olympic dream. Pacific Northwest Ski Association (PNSA) PNSA is the Northwest s local division of USSA. The United States Ski Team The United States Ski Team, operated under the auspices of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), develops and supports men's and women's athletes in the sports of alpine skiing, adaptive alpine, freestyle skiing, cross country, adaptive cross country, ski jumping, and nordic combined. The team and association have been headquartered in Park City, Utah since The United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA) United States of America Snowboard Association is dedicated to supporting recreational and competitive snowboarding and freestyle skiing within 33 regional series throughout the United States of America. Since 1988, USASA has fostered the competitive spirit of snowboard athletes and developed a solid grassroots organization that allows men and women, and boys and girls of all ages and abilities to participate in over 500 organized snowboard events that qualify for national and international competition. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 7

8 Policies and Procedures Exam Registration An exam application is available from PSIA-NW by going online at psia-nw.org or phoning to request a copy to be ed, mailed or faxed to you. Additional forms may be obtained from your school Director or trainer. The application and fees for the exam must be received by the PSIA-NW office at least 14 days before the exam date. If the application is received AFTER the two week deadline, applications will be accepted on a space available basis with the current per day late fee applied. It is suggested to apply early in order to take the exam at the location of choice. In the event the first exam choice is full, applicant will be contacted to specify a second choice. If a candidate cannot be placed in an exam within the current season, then the examination fee will be refunded in full. All candidates must fulfill the following prerequisites prior to taking the exam: Be a current member, in good standing, of PSIA, having taught skiing for at least one season, with a regularly assigned class. Successful completion of the exam one lower than what is being signed up for, such as to take the Level II alpine exam, the candidate must already have the Level I alpine certification. More regarding timelines, such as a season between the Level II and Level III exam are in the specific exam sections. Candidates must pass the written exam with results to the office a minimum of one month before any on hill modules. Exam forms must have a school trainer s signature on each application to be valid. (This signature may also be in the form of an or phone call to the office) Each module may be taken an unlimited number of times during the exam season following the above guidelines. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 8

9 Written Exam Module The written test will be administered on line or if requested a paper exam can be proctored. A score of 75% or higher is needed in order to pass the test and must be passed one month before taking either of the one snow modules. Exam Day Process The Level II and III certification exams are a one-day per module exam. The modules are: Skiing normally scheduled for Saturday Teaching and Professional Knowledge normally scheduled for Sunday Each candidate is assigned to a group for the day. The group size is generally 6-8 candidates. The groups will be assessed by two examiners. A trainer and an examiner in training may, or may not, accompany the group. The morning meeting is for the candidates to meet, be introduced to the examiners, discuss the format for the day, ask any questions they might have prior to the assessment, complete any necessary paperwork and be issued a lift ticket (this may, or may not, be complimentary). At this time the examiners arrange for the on-snow meeting time and location. Generally the day is as follows: Morning session runs from 9:00-11:30am Lunch is from 11:30-12:30pm Afternoon session begins at 12:30pm and ends at 3:30pm Results will be handed out by 4:30pm or earlier. Be in the location results will be given no later than 4:15pm. Candidates taking both modules on the same weekend will receive results for both modules at the completion of the second day. Candidates are invited to stay and discuss results with examiners (usually 5 minutes per candidate) or may request to have results mailed to them. Grading Grading is on a simple pass/fail system. Refund Policy No refunds will be given to candidates unless due to an injury prior to the exam. If a candidate is injured prior to the exam, a written request for a refund, accompanied by a medical doctor s statement must be submitted to the PSIA-NW. An administrative service charge of $25.00 will be made on all refunds. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 9

10 Education Credit Instructors taking the Level II or Level III exam will be given one season of continuing education credit (CEU) for each module taken. This will satisfy the PSIA-NW educational requirement for maintaining a certified status, regardless of the exam outcome (result). Out of Division Instructors PSIA-NW maintains the right to refuse instructors who are not members of the Northwest Division the opportunity to take the PSIA-NW certification exams. However, the general guidelines for these instructors are listed below. Preference is given for Northwest members first. Instructors who are not members of the Northwest Division must pre-arrange with the PSIA-NW office to take, and successfully pass, the written exam a minimum of one month prior, and before being allowed, to take either on-snow modules. PSIA members from other Divisions may take the PSIA-NW exam providing Northwest receives written permission from their home Division. The "Home Division" is defined as the one in which the instructor is currently a member. Instructors do not have to join the Northwest Division to participate in the exam. The results will be sent to the Home Division which will issue the new certification if the candidate passes. Foreign Instructors Alpine instructors who hold the highest available level of certification in another country and are current, in good standing members of said country's professional association, may become members of the Northwest Division, provided they first attend and pass the Registered entry level event/exam and pay current dues. They may then bypass any time restrictions and interim prerequisite levels and are immediately eligible to attempt the Level III process. There is no automatic reciprocity or recognition of levels, nor consideration for those holding lower levels of certification. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 10

11 PSIA-NW Reinstatement Policy Former or current PSIA-NW members in good standing requesting reinstatement of their prior certification level will need to apply for and successfully complete the following requirements: DUES: PSIA-NW and ASEA dues for the current year and a reinstatement fee must be paid as a condition to beginning the process. TIMELINE: Prior certified members in good standing who have let their membership status lapse for a period longer than five (5) years must take and pass a certification examination at the Level they wish to be reinstated to or choose to bypass the exam process and be automatically reinstated as a Certified Level I. Prior certified members in good standing who have let their membership lapse for a period of five (5) years or less will follow the process described below. If a prior certified member does not feel he/she is at the certified level previously held he/she may choose to request and be granted Level I status. MEMBER SCHOOL RECOMMENDATION: A prior certified member who believes he/she is qualified to reinstated at Level II or III must be currently teaching for a PSIA or AASI school. In addition, the trainer, Supervisor or School Director of the school must submit a written recommendation for the individual s reinstatement stating that the member s skiing/riding and teaching skills meet the current national standards for the discipline for which reinstatement is sought. If the prior certified member seeks certification reinstatement in more than one (1) discipline, the recommendation must include each discipline for which reinstatement is sought. WRITTEN EXAM: A written exam for the Level and discipline(s) applied for must be taken and passed prior to the on snow assessment. ON SNOW ASSESSMENT: The reinstatement assessment will be conducted by a current Examiner to determine whether the candidate meets the established national exam standards. It shall be conducted during a two (2) day educational event which will count towards current educational requirements. Reinstatement at the completion of the event will be at the individual s current assessed level, Certified Level II or III, regardless of the Level applied for. A separate on snow assessment shall be required for each discipline for which reinstatement is sought. Until the entire reinstatement process is complete the membership card will show national and divisional Level I status. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 11

12 Registered Level PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 12

13 Registered Requirements Alpine Registered The premise of the certification standards is based upon the concepts of levels of understanding which define stages of learning in degrees of understanding. As certification is a measure of understanding, levels of certification represent stages of understanding. Candidates will be held to the knowledge and performance standards of the level at which they are testing as well as the criteria for all preceding levels. Registered Membership (Educational outline for use by home school or for divisional training) Registered instructor is PSIA s entry level of membership, designed to provide an educational introduction to ski teaching. The Registered level event is conducted according to divisional criteria, and is not a level of certification recognized nationally by PSIA. Therefore, the criteria for Registered level instructors serves only as a guideline for establishing divisional education criteria which prepares Registered level instructors to meet future levels of certification according to the nationally recognized standards for Levels I, II and III. As passed by the board of directors at its Fall 2015 meeting, if one is a member in good standing of USSA or NSP, he/she may join PSIA-NW as a registered member, without any other requirements. Skills Requirements for Registered Status PSIA Education 1. Introduction to PSIA-Northwest and PSIA-AASI a. Recall the history, purpose and organization of PSIA-Northwest and PSIA-AASI b. Identify the vision/mission statement of PSIA-Northwest and PSIA-AASI 2. Ski Industry a. Discuss the role of ski instruction within the snowsports industry b. Describe the organization of one s home resort c. Discuss the teamwork aspect of home resort area operations 3. Professionalism a. Discuss the basic principles and philosophies of professionalism b. Discuss specific behaviors of ski instructor professionalism c. Demonstrate professionalism at the individual s home resort PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 13

14 Skiing Registered level teachers must demonstrate the ability to safely ski terrain common to the Beginner/Novice zone and to consistently demonstrate fundamental elements of stance and balance in a form that will create understanding and encourage further development. No specific parameters are set for the performance of any maneuvers until Level I certification. (The term stance in the following refers to appropriate flex in the joints to keep a balanced relationship of the base of support, proper hand and arm position, forward vision, appropriate stance width and basic movements that facilitate fore-aft and lateral balance) Registered individuals will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an athletic stance 2. Demonstrate an athletic stance in a straight run 3. Demonstrate an athletic stance in a traverse 4. Demonstrate an athletic stance in a sideslip 5. Ski wedge turns 6. Ski slow, open parallel turns representative of new skiers on contemporary equipment Core Concept Education Core Concept education for Registered teachers helps individuals explore their personal motivation for teaching and promotes a teaching style/learning environment guided by emotional involvement. Registered-level teachers must demonstrate a clear understanding of risk management and safe class handling with Beginner/Novice zone students. Registered instructors have an awareness of basic physical, mental and social characteristics of students, especially as related to teaching children. KEY ELEMENTS OF REGISTERED CERTIFICATION FOCUS: 1. Core Ideals a. Describe their personal motivation for becoming a snowsports teacher b. Describe their own strengths and weaknesses relative to the communication and people skills required to effectively teach snowsports 2. Understanding Students a. Demonstrate an awareness of physical, cognitive and affective development in a variety of student populations b. Demonstrate an awareness of physical, cognitive and affective development in children of all ages 3. Class Handling and Organization a. Recognize the impact and importance of developing trust in the learning environment b. Manage risks present in the mountain environment in a responsible manner c. Demonstrate an ability to provide individual attention to students in a class d. Provide a Beginner/Novice zone lesson format based on the guidelines of the American Teaching System (ATS) and one s home resort PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 14

15 4. Risk Management a. Recite Your Responsibility Code b. Teach Your Responsibility Code to students at one s home resort c. Practice class handling that demonstrates appropriate decision-making based upon risk management principles 5. Customer Service a. Identify key elements of a student-centered and experience-oriented approach to teaching b. Relate various customer services at one s home resort to ski school students c. Demonstrate customer-oriented behaviors that create relationships with guests and students Alpine Technical Education The level of proficiency required of Registered level teachers is defined by a general awareness of basic alpine technical issues, an ability to demonstrate typical movements and tasks of Beginner zone skiing. KEY ELEMENTS OF REGISTERED DUTIES WILL ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING: 1. Skills Concept a. Identify and define the three categories of skills 2. Phases of the turn a. Identify the three phases of a turn b. Identify dominant movements and skill areas during a turn typical of a student in the Beginner/Novice zone 3. Equipment a. Characterize the type of rental equipment most often seen at the home resort b. Describe proper fit of boots, ways to check the fit of students boots and methods of adjustment in fit c. Describe proper ski lengths for Beginner/Novice zone students d. List required clothing and safety items 4. Movement Analysis a. Recognize basic aspects of proper stance and sliding balance b. List activities which highlight specific movements relative to chosen categories of the skills concept 5. Lesson Planning a. Identify the basic principle of the Teaching Model b. Describe the teaching progression favored at one s home resort for teaching first-time skiers Membership Requirements Procedure Complete PSIA-NW Registered Level Written Exam (see following pages) with passing score and signed by trainer. Payment of PSIA-NW and National Dues: Renewable June 30 annually. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 15

16 PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 16

17 PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 17

18 Certified Level I PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 18

19 Level I Requirements Alpine Certified Level I PSIA-NW Level I Policies and Procedures Scheduling the Level I Exam The accredited Level I trainer schedules the exam. It is the accredited Level I trainer s responsibility to notify the PSIA-NW office of the date of the exam and the estimated number of candidates, at a minimum, two weeks prior to the scheduled exam. The PSIA-NW office will forward a packet containing all the necessary forms and information to the Ski School/trainer for the administration of the exam and if requested, a pre-paid return envelope to return everything in. The accredited Level I trainer will notify the PSIA-NW office as soon as possible of any substantial changes in the number of candidates that would require additional forms. Registration for Level I Exam within Your School Candidates must 1. Complete the Level I curriculum. 2. Complete a minimum of 10 alpine teaching hours prior to taking the alpine Level I exam and a minimum of 10 hours training, combining for a minimum of 20 hours. 3. Confirm intention to be a candidate for the scheduled exam to the trainer. 4. Complete the Registered Written Test and submit to trainer for his/her signature, if not already a registered member. 5. Complete the Level I exam application form and synopsis (signed by your trainer and yourself) and submit along with the exam fee (checks payable to PSIA-NW or credit card are accepted) to the accredited Level I trainer as well as payment for dues. Packets received without membership dues will not be processed. Accredited Level I Trainers must 1. Ensure the candidates have completed the Level I curriculum as part of their training and have met the National Outcomes in the teaching category during their 10 teaching hours. 2. Ensure timelines are established within the school that will allow an accurate estimate of the number of candidates within the two week PSIA-NW office notification deadline. 3. Ensure a completed Registered Written Test, Level I exam application, synopsis, exam fee check and member dues (if they are not already a member) are submitted to you prior to starting the exam. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 19

20 The Exam: 1. The Level I Accredited Trainer will conduct the on-snow evaluation portion of the exam following the Exam Guidelines as established by PSIA-NW. 2. The PSIA-NW Level I Exam Guidelines will be made available during Level I Accreditations and at other such times as may be necessary. Validating the Exam Candidates must JOIN PSIA NATIONAL AND PSIA-NW BY PAYING THE ANNUAL DUES 1. Pay dues to become a member of the National and Northwest professional organizations and submit a completed PSIA-NW Membership application to the PSIA-NW office, the dues amount will be listed in the packet. 2. Dues are due on or before the day of the exam. Level I s received without dues will not be accepted and will be returned to the school trainer. 3. Dues are renewable annually on June 30th. 4. Dues paid after the 15th of February of the current year are renewable June 30 th of the following year. (e.g. If you successfully complete the Level I exam on or after the 15 th of February of 2030, your renewal date will be on June 30, 2031, the following season) Accredited Level I Trainers must Return the completed exam packets to the PSIA-NW office within ten (10) days of the completion of the exam. Exam Packets will include: 1. Completed Written Tests for each candidate as applicable 2. Completed Level I application forms for each candidate 3. Level I exam fee for each candidate 4. Any required dues payments 5. Copies of exam documents (copies of Assessment Sheets and synopsis for each candidate) If an accredited Level I trainer fails to comply with these Level I Policies and Procedures, he/she will lose accreditation status for the remainder of current season and the following season. PSIA-NW Office will 1. Process new members as soon as possible once complete Level I Exam packets are received. 2. Send Level I certificates and pins by mail to successful candidates. 3. Send a welcome packet with information about the organization and its benefits. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 20

21 Level I Exam Process The Certified Level I exam consists of an on snow skiing and teaching assessment, written exam and communication throughout the day regarding teaching and technical knowledge. The candidate must pass the written test with a score of 75% or better. A suggested size for this exam is six (6) candidates per group, maximum size of eight (8). Grading A pass/fail scoring system is used. Candidates must demonstrate the Certified Level I Outcomes in all three areas, skiing, teaching and technical and professional knowledge, in order to qualify as a Certified Level I instructor. Exam Format The exam may be given by an accredited Level I trainer from your school or another school or you may attend a Divisional calendared Level I exam. Indoor Written Test: 1 hour On-Snow assessment: 6 hours depending on group size Areas of Evaluation 1. Skiing Skills: On Snow Assessment 2. Teaching and Technical Knowledge: On Snow Assessment This will be determined using one assigned teaching topic, group topic discussions and/or chair ride discussions 3. Professional Knowledge: Written Test, Indoor Group Discussions PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 21

22 Level I Skiing General Skiing During the exam process candidates will be asked to perform the following tasks listed below. These tasks provide a consistent platform to evaluate a candidate s skill blend. Practicing these tasks with your trainer will help to develop the necessary skills and skill blends to successfully pass the on-snow portion of the Level I Exam. WEDGE TURNS Athletic stance; slow to moderate speed; steering of both skis with leg rotation; linked round turns with no traverse; both skis maintaining contact with snow; no pole use. Skis maintain a wedge relationship. WEDGE CHRISTIE TURNS As a turn is completed, a new turn is started by extending ankles, knees and hips, steering both skis towards the fall line, resulting in a wedge relationship. The skis become parallel through more active steering of the inside ski, using rounded turn shapes and no traversing. The parallel matching of the skis may be demonstrated in a variety of places in the turn, including the beginning, middle and end depending on speed, terrain or intent. A pole touch is optional. BASIC PARALLEL TURNS Balanced, rhythmical turns with no traverse, athletic stance, short, medium and/or long radius. If used, pole use is timed with the turn radius, pole touch with weight transfer and edge change; maintain a parallel relationship. FREE SKIING GROOMED TERRAIN, MILD UN-GROOMED, SMALL BUMPS MODERATE BLUE TERRAIN Free skiing in terrain that is groomed, mild un-groomed and/or small bumps may be completed in a blend of short, medium and/or long radius turns. Ski in control using a rounded turn shape at intermediate zone speeds. Exercises and Versatility Tasks: SIDE SLIP TO AN EDGE SET In a side slip, the skier slips sideways down the hill with his/her skis pointing across the hill. Stand slightly flexed with skis tipped on uphill edges in a traverse position. Extend to flatten your skis in order to slip sideways down the hill. Flex slightly, moving your knees uphill, to edge sufficiently in order to control your speed of descent. To come to a stop, flex more to increase the edge angle on the snow surface. LINKED FORWARD SIDESLIP TO AN EDGE SET From a traverse, flatten skis to slip sideways while moving forward. Increase edge angles to engage skis to an edge set. Repeat movements across the hill. Maintain stance width and parallel relationship of the skis. Balance mainly on the downhill ski. Decrease edge angles to slip, and increase edge angles to traverse or to an edge set. Perform in both directions. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 22

23 STRAIGHT RUN, PADDLE TURN TO A STOP Demonstrate an athletic stance with legs slightly flexed, hands and arms in front of body, while in a straight run. Transferring weight from one ski to the other in a scissoring fashion, step across the fall line to a stop. Complete on very shallow terrain. TRAVERSE WEDGE AND PARALLEL Stand on both skis across the hill while balancing on both uphill edges. At a slight downhill angle, travel across the hill in a very shallow traverse in a parallel relationship. Each ski should track and not slip or skid sideways while in the parallel relationship, keeping more weight on the downhill ski. From a parallel relationship, simultaneously release both edges by transferring more weight to the uphill ski while brushing both skis into a wedge then back to a parallel relationship. Perform in both directions. Level I Teaching Candidates should be prepared to formulate and present a lesson plan that is relative to common goals for Beginner Zone outcomes and ski performance. There will be one teaching session for each candidate. The time allotted will be no longer than 15 minutes. Although it is not necessary to fill the time allowed, it is recommended to continue to work with the group for the allotted time. The administrator will monitor the time for you, as it s his/her responsibility to keep to a specific time schedule. The content of the candidate s lesson should have basic information that reflects the skiing fundamentals, skills concept and is appropriate to beginner zone progressions. The candidate will be responsible to observe and describe the skiing fundamentals as performed in the beginner zone exercises, versatility tasks and general skiing situations. The teaching presentation will address a target group, not necessarily individuals within the exam group. Directions need to be clearly stated as they relate to the general beginner zone outcomes. Command and Task teaching styles need to be well organized and utilized to define content and practice time. The feedback provided by the candidate should be related to the fundamental focus of the target group, while providing wording that is simple (non-technical), practical and positive. Questions based on your teaching presentation are asked immediately following your session, during chairlift rides, or both. The administrator may also set up scenarios wherein you and your peers discuss a teaching, technical or professional knowledge situation and deliver a response in a group setting. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 23

24 Certified Level II PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 24

25 Level II Requirements Alpine Certified Level II Fundamental Skills & Tasks - Level II Athletic Stance These tasks and drills are designed to help the Level II instructor maintain a positive, balanced relationship of the center of mass to the base of support, throughout a series of turns on blue groomed and blue bumps up through beginning dynamic parallel skiing. Straight run down a gentle slope and hop, both in a straight line and sideways. Slide sideways down a moderate hill with the boots traveling straight down the fall-line. Slide sideways down a moderate hill and set the edges such that the skis do not change direction while slowing to a stop. Straight run and/or traverse on either ski - left or right, uphill or downhill. Edge Control These tasks and drills are designed to help the Level II instructor roll the skis from the uphill edge to flat to a slight downhill edge through turn transition with the skis traveling the direction they are pointing (no pivoting to an edge) on blue groomed and blue bump terrain up through beginning parallel skiing. "Nordic Skate. Skate up the hill, in a moderate traverse or downhill. Gently step from ski to ski in a diverging manner. Straight run with the skis flat on the snow. Traverse on the downhill ski with it tracking, alternate with it slipping diagonally down the hill to another track. Perform a hockey stop by side slipping straight down the fall-line to a complete stop. Railroad track turns. Perform turns in an open stance from the fall-line of a moderate to flat hill by only rolling onto the inside edge of the outside ski and adding some pressure. Do not allow the skis to skid at any portion of the turn. Begin a long radius turn on moderate to flat terrain by traversing on the uphill ski, uphill edge, and roll it flat and onto an inside edge such that the ski is moving in the direction it is pointed when it moves onto the inside edge (no skidding). The ski should be on its new edge before it reaches the fall-line. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 25

26 Pressure Control These tasks and drills are designed to help the Level II instructor keep the skis in contact with the snow with a gradual increase in pressure to the outside ski throughout round turns on groomed and bumpy blue terrain through beginning, dynamic parallel skiing. Straight run down a gentle slope and step from ski to ski. Perform a falling leaf side slipping exercise. Practice facing across a slope in both directions from the fall-line on moderate, groomed terrain. Straight run down a hill at moderate speeds, while absorbing large rolls in the terrain, keeping the pressure even. Rotational Control These tasks and drills are designed to help the Level II instructor use the appropriate amount of steering for the turn (consistent steering both into the fall-line as well as out of the fall-line creates a consistent width of track in the snow) for round turns up through beginning parallel skiing. Straight run down the hill without changing the direction the skis are pointing. Straight run down a gentle hill and guide the skis out away from each other and back again toward each other, in a slight weave, in and out. "Nordic Skate. Skate up the hill, in a moderate traverse or downhill. Gently step from ski to ski in a diverging manner. Begin a long radius turn on moderate to flat terrain by traversing on the uphill edge of the uphill ski; roll it flat and onto an inside edge such that the ski is moving the direction it is pointed when it moves onto the inside edge (no pivoting). The ski should be on its new edge before it reaches the fall-line. Perform a hockey stop by side slipping straight down the fall-line to a complete stop. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 26

27 Skiing Skills & Technical Understanding The general skiing characteristics are defined in the National Standards found online at the PSIA-NW.org and thesnowpros.org websites. The following skiing has been selected to best represent levels of ability and to test the overall skill blend. The day is not limited to the following assignments; there are more exercises or tasks that could be used as a part of the overall skiing day. During the day, the examiners and examinees will discuss the technical skiing elements to ensure understanding. This does not influence the overall grade but provides an opportunity for the examinees to verbally rehearse all of the selected tasks enabling performance as well as goal setting. During the exam process candidates will be asked to perform the following General Skiing and Versatility and Exercise tasks. These tasks provide a consistent platform to evaluate the candidate s skills and skill blending. Practicing these tasks with your trainer will help to develop the necessary skills and skill blends to successfully meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the on-snow portion of the Level II Exam. General Skiing WEDGE CHRISTIE (green to blue terrain) Skis are guided into a wedge relationship in the initiation phase of the turn; the matching of the skis in the control phase is dictated by speed and terrain. Pole use may be involved depending upon terrain and speed. Turns should be round and may be completed in shorter or medium radius turns. SHORT RADIUS TURNS (blue and easy black terrain) Ski a series of round, completed carved turns of consistent size and speed, in a corridor, between ½ to 1 groomer path widths. * MEDIUM RADIUS TURNS (blue and easy black terrain) Ski a series of round, carved turns of consistent size and speed, in a corridor, between 1½ to 3 groomer widths wide. * RHYTHM CHANGES (blue or easy black terrain) Ski a series of medium radius turns that are consistent in rhythm and size, then change to a series of short radius turns of consistent rhythm and size, then repeat. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 27

28 OFF PISTE CONDITIONS (blue or easy black terrain) Terrain that is not groomed such as powder, crud, firm snow, bumps or a combination thereof; may be completed in a blend of short, medium and/or long radius turns. *a groomer path width is approximately 20 or 6 meters wide Exercises and Versatility Tasks STRAIGHT RUN HOP SKI TO SKI (green terrain) Straight run on one ski. Keep the other ski off the snow and level with the terrain, and then hop to other ski using predominately lower body. Glide for at least two ski lengths and repeat at least five times. During the transition from one ski to the next, both skis must be off the snow for a split second. SKATE ON FLAT TERRAIN (flat or near flat terrain) Push off an angled, edged ski leaving a clean track in the snow and glide for at least half a ski length on the other ski using predominately lower body. Repeat. Unweighted ski must come completely off the snow, remaining parallel with the terrain and brought alongside the other ski before the next skating step. LEAPERS (short to medium radius turns on blue or easy black terrain) The transition zone between turns is done in the air by jumping from the exit phase of one turn to the start of the ensuing turn. Complete a parallel turn and repeat. Note: This task was previously called Jump Turn Entries. ONE SKI TURNS (blue terrain) Typically done in a series of medium radius turns. In the transition zone, transfer weight completely to the new outside ski, while lifting the inside ski completely off, and parallel to, the snow. At turn transition transfer weight to new outside ski and complete as in a parallel turn. LINKED PIVOT SLIPS (blue or easy black terrain) Ski thru a series of linked, pivot slips in a narrow corridor staying in the fall-line while maintaining a consistent speed. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 28

29 Teaching Module - Level II The practical application of teaching concepts takes years to master. However, focusing on tactics commonly used by good teachers speeds the acquisition of teaching skills and promotes valuable learning experiences for students. The ATS Teaching Model and Teaching Cycle were developed with these ideas in mind. In particular, the seven steps of the Teaching Cycle which describes instructor behavior and promotes quality lessons. When conducting a ski lesson, whether at work or in an assessment, remember these key ideas: STUDENT CENTERED The student is the focus, teach to the student. Instructors often continue on a game plan that is unrelated to their student s needs. Is the student performing the exercise correctly? Is the student ready to move on through the teaching progression? Does the student understand the objective? Is the lesson helping the student meet personal goals? OUTCOME BASED Your lesson should be objective oriented. What are you trying to accomplish? What will your student understand or be capable of doing after the lesson that they were not capable of doing before the lesson? EXPERIENTIAL Help people learn by doing; skiing is a motor skill. Although it is necessary to give clear explanations, people need time to practice and experiment with movements and instructors need time to observe student performance to accurately evaluate the success of a lesson. These concepts, focusing on student needs, work toward identifiable outcomes and providing opportunities for practice and performance evaluation and are the elements most commonly missing from assessment and real-life teaching situations. As You Work to Develop Your Teaching Skills, Practice the Following: Write a basic progression for each of the topics from the Level II Teaching Topics. For each element of each progression, write WHY you included it and WHAT you expect your students to accomplish. Working with a group of your peers, teach each of the progressions you have designed. Include age and gender specific information in your teaching progressions. Have your ski school trainer observe you teaching an actual class; have the trainer give you feedback on your teaching based on your use of the Teaching Cycle. Have your ski school trainer observe you teaching a topic from the Certified Level II Teaching Topics to three of your peers; have the trainer give you feedback on your teaching based on your use of the Teaching Cycle. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 29

30 PRACTICE Determining lesson goals and objectives in actual teaching situations and in practice teaching situations with peers. Complete this sentence for each teaching situation: By the end of this lesson, my student will be capable of Setting up teaching situations with your peers using command, task and reciprocal teaching styles. Make sure you are using each teaching style correctly, not just setting up situations based on how you think each style operates. Giving feedback to a group of your peers performing the Level II skiing tasks. Include: What do you see (desirable and undesirable movements)? What do you want to change? Why do you want to change what you see? How will you help the skier change? DESCRIBE Necessary steps to determine appropriate long term goals and planning lesson objectives The value of introducing a learning segment and what might be included in the introduction Several ways to assess student needs and expectations Several ways to present and share information during a lesson When and why an instructor uses practice in a lesson and describe the different ways an instructor can incorporate practice Several ways an instructor can check for understanding during a lesson The purpose of a lesson summary and several topics that should be covered during the summary COMPARE The steps of your most recent lesson to the steps of the Teaching Cycle Did your lesson fulfill all the elements of the Teaching Cycle? If not, what parts were missing and why? Lesson content, instructor behavior, and student behavior from a lesson that went really well to the same elements of a lesson which was not as successful. Were there differences? Why? PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 30

31 Teaching Day Format: Candidates should be prepared to clinic* their peer group twice during the day. There will be 2 teaching sessions for each candidate a longer 20 minute session and a shorter 5 minute session; these times are approximate. Although it is not necessary to fill the time allowed, it is recommended that you continue to work with the group for the allotted time the examiners will monitor the time for you. The examiners are responsible for, and will keep to, a fairly tight time schedule. Candidates will clinic* and coach peers on a topic assigned to you from the list on the next page you may have all or part of the exam group to clinic, depending on group size. These segments average about 20 minutes. With the examiners, you will observe another skier on the hill or one of your peers. You ll be asked to describe for the examiners what you see in the skier and give an applicable goal for the skier with what you would do to improve his/her performance, which may include developing a lesson plan. The teaching groups will work together throughout the whole day. The two examiners will manage the time and scheduling of shorter or longer teaching segments as the day progresses. Questions based upon your teaching are asked immediately following your session, during chairlift rides or both. Examiners may also set up scenarios wherein you and your peers discuss a teaching, technical or professional knowledge situation and deliver a response in a group setting. *Clinic: Displaying an understanding and working knowledge of skill development from the beginner through the intermediate zones (Levels 1-7) and Level II skiing tasks. As with any ski clinic, a transfer of knowledge and improvement of the student is the goal. Your grade is contingent on whether or not you applied the Level II Teaching Outcomes, Level II PSIA-NW testing criteria and delivered an effective lesson. In doing so, your exam peers should be able to demonstrate newly acquired knowledge and skills. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 31

32 Examiner role: The exam module consists of two examiners, possibly an examiner in training [EIT] and possibly a shadowing school trainer. Although the EIT may take charge of the group during or throughout the day, the two examiners will be responsible for the grading based upon the Level II National Standards. The trainer shadows the exam to gain a better understanding of the exam process. During the morning introduction, the examiners will establish the tone for the day, review expectations, discuss and assign the long session teaching topics and answer any questions regarding the exam process. As well, during your teaching segments the examiners are available to answer questions, aid in locating correct terrain and help you with time management. There may be questions asked of you and/or the group immediately after each teaching session, either on the hill or perhaps on a chair ride. Examiners do not model a teaching example for the candidates but may establish a positive lead-in to the day with a brief teaching cycle introduction during the first run. Sample Teaching Topics: Beginner through Intermediate Zone Skiers (Levels 1-7) The following topics are typical teaching scenarios encountered daily. One of these topics will be assigned to you. Be prepared to clinic your peers on any of these topics and have the ability to modify these topics to include age and gender information. Beginner/Novice Zone: Present a logical progression dealing with day one beginner skiers through the gliding, stopping and turning phases. Clinic within the wedge turn phase demonstrating exercises and movement patterns showing how this phase applies on varying terrain and conditions. Present and demonstrate a skill-based progression that develops students from wedge turns through the wedge christie phase. Present and demonstrate a skill-based progression that develops students from the wedge christie phase into a beginning parallel phase. Intermediate Zone: Other: Introduce and coach turn shapes for speed control to intermediate zone skiers include applications to terrain and conditions. Clinic and coach the approach you would use with intermediate zone skiers teaching proper technique and tactics for bump skiing. Clinic and coach the approach you would use with intermediate zone skiing for powder or basic crud conditions. Introduce and clinic your approach to teaching tactics and technique for steeper terrain taking into account varying conditions. Present, coach and provide feedback to your peer group on any one of the Level II General Skiing and/or Exercise and Versatility Tasks listed earlier in this section. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 32

33 Teaching Example: Example selected from the beginner/novice zone: Clinic within the wedge turn phase demonstrating exercises and movement patterns showing how this applies on varying terrain and conditions. Set up: Introduce the skier level. Describe the terrain that you would normally use at your home area and relate it to the available terrain during the exam. Note explain what you are going to teach, (For example: Today I am going to teach you how a focus on rotary movements can help students with varying terrain and conditions. ) why this is so important ( A focus on rotary movements is important because it can help us smooth out and effectively navigate the lack of predictability we encounter when skiing varying terrain and conditions. ) and how you accomplish this goal ( We will do this by working through a series of several drills that focus on rotary movements that build upon one another. ). Establish goals and plan: Introduce a logical progression; identify the steps that you intend to accomplish during the available time frame. (For example: We will use a series of simple drills that work on the skill of rotary movements. ) Help your peers to understand that this is a progression with a series of drills that could be used when necessary. What Present and share information: Revisit the elements of a good skiing stance. To help your peers understand a reasonable progression of exercises to accomplish your goal, you might demonstrate steering of each leg and combination of both legs steering. (For example: Now that we re in agreement with the key elements of an effective, efficient stance, let s move through several simple drills that build our rotary skills. ) From straight run position on flat terrain; hop into and out of wedge. **A key element as you being working through several simple drills is to provide clear, body-part specific feedback for each drill to every candidate. Even if a candidate is performing movements correctly in your drill, comment to them on what it is they are doing that allows them to be effective. This keeps the feedback specific to movements and objective instead of subjective (i.e.: nice turns would not be sufficient.) Use wedge change-ups to practice active steering of both legs. Use uphill christies in wedge format to practice steering and adjusting pressure to the outside ski. Demonstrate the exercises for your peers and have them practice to develop a feel and understanding of why these exercise work at this level. How. Listed above are examples of many of drills one could choose from to use in a teaching segment. Time management is key in an exam, along with having a clear plan for why you are using each drill. Remember, we are teaching movements and skills, not drills. PSIA-NW Alpine Certification Guide (2015) 33