Social Justice and Diversity

"The Social Justice Standards are a road map for anti-bias education at every stage of K–12 instruction. Comprised of anchor standards and age-appropriate learning outcomes, the Standards provide a common language and organizational structure educators can use to guide curriculum development and make schools more just and equitable. Download the images below as a PDF.

SHAPE America Appropriate Practices

  • 1.4.1 Teachers create an environment that is inclusive and supportive of all students, regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion or physical ability. Such differences are acknowledged, appreciated and respected.
  • 1.4.2 Teachers intentionally select activities that represent a culturally diverse environment (e.g., dances and games from around the world).
  • 1.5.1 All students (boys and girls, high- and low- skilled) have equal opportunities to participate and interact with the teacher (e.g., leadership, playing “skilled” positions, teacher feedback). All students, regardless of developmental level and ability, are challenged at an appropriate level.
  • 1.5.2 All students are encouraged, supported and socialized toward successful achievement in all content taught in physical education (e.g., dance is for everyone).
  • 1.5.3 Physical educators use gender-neutral language (e.g., “students”).

General Resources on Bias

Resources on Teacher Biases

Resources on Weight Biases

Culturally Responsive Teaching in General Education

Culturally Responsive Teaching in Physical Education

Teaching Strategies for Gender and Sexual Identity 

Resources on Gender and Sexual Identity 

Social Justice in General Education

Social Justice in Physical Education

Blogs and Podcasts on Social Justice in Physical Education

Social Justice Resources

  • ​Power in Numbers: This series features dozens of student-produced pieces that capture how young people are spurring to action in their communities and forging new channels of civic engagement to bring their hopes and visions for their future into reality.
  • Sport for Protection (Refugees): Aims to provide a framework for sport, development and humanitarian actors, to guide the design and implementation of protection and development sport initiatives for children and young people affected by displacement.
P.E. Is A Social Justice Issue
Videos on Social Justice in Education