What is Quality Physical Education?
Quality physical education is based on national and state standards that define what a physically literate person should know and be able to do. These are then broken down into student learning indicators, serving as curricular guidelines for each grade level. See the new standards and learning indicators published in 2024.
Standard 1 - Develops a Variety of Motor Skills: Through learning experiences in physical education, the student develops motor skills across a variety of environments. Motor skills are a foundational part of child development and support the movements of everyday life. The development of motor skills contributes to an individual’s physical literacy journey.
Standard 2 - Applies Knowledge Related to Movement and Fitness Concepts: Through learning experiences in physical education, the student uses their knowledge of movement concepts, tactics, and strategies across a variety of environments. This knowledge helps the student become a more versatile and efficient mover. Additionally, the student applies knowledge of health-related and skill-related fitness to enhance their overall well-being. The application of knowledge related to various forms of movement contributes to an individual’s physical literacy journey.
Standard 3 - Develops Social Skills Through Movement: Through learning experiences in physical education, students develop the social skills necessary to exhibit empathy and respect for others and foster and maintain relationships. In addition, students develop skills for communication, leadership, cultural awareness, and conflict resolution in a variety of physical activity settings.
Standard 4 - Develops Personal Skills, Identifies Personal Benefits of Movement, and Chooses to Engage in Physical Activity: Through learning experiences in physical education, the student develops an understanding of how movement is personally beneficial and subsequently chooses to participate in physical activities that are personally meaningful (e.g., activities that offer social interaction, cultural connection, exploration, choice, self-expression, appropriate levels of challenge, and added health benefits). The student develops personal skills including goal setting, identifying strengths, and reflection to enhance their physical literacy journey.
The Difference Between Physical Education and Physical Activity
"With heightened attention on childhood obesity prevention efforts, there seems to be some confusion between the terms 'physical education' and 'physical activity.' Often the words are used interchangeably but they differ in important ways. Understanding the difference between the two is critical to understanding why both contribute to the development of healthy, active children. SHAPE America believes every child in the United States deserves both a quality physical education and physical activity program" (Physical Activity vs Physical Education).
K-12 Road Map for Physical Education
The Diamond Conceptual Framework helps illustrate the progression of skills and concepts taught in physical education, which are guided by national and state standards and research on physical activity and physical education. While we believe this is a useful framework, we acknowledge that there are other philosophies that can also achieve quality physical education.
Videos Highlighting Quality Physical Education
Resources for Evaluating a Physical Education Program
Evaluating a physical education program is important for teachers, administrators, and parents. By assessing the quality of your program, you can identify areas that are in need of improvement and make the necessary changes, as well as recognize and reward good practices. In an effort to help parents and administrators at all levels determine if a physical education program meets nationally recognized standards for high quality, we have provided links to various evaluation resources.
For Administrators and Teachers
- 20 Indicators of Effective Physical Education Instruction
- Guidelines for Physical Education
- Physical Activity School Score
- Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool
- School Physical Education Program Checklist
- Suggested Job Interview Questions for P.E. Teachers
- Teaching Evaluation Forms for Physical Educators (our page)
Negative Student Experiences in Physical Education
- Most People Hate PE and Most Drop Out of Physical Activity In Search of Credible Curriculum Alternatives
- My Best Memory Is When I Was Done with It: PE Memories Are Associated with Adult Sedentary Behavior
- Negative Experiences in PE and Sport: How Much Do They Affect Physical Activity Participation Later in Life?
- Negative Experiences in Physical Education Class and Avoidance of Exercise
- Poor Performance in Physical Education: A Risk Factor for Bully Victimization
- Sport Structured Brain Trauma is Child Abuse
- When Physical Activity Participation Promotes Inactivity
Physical Education's "Hall of Shame" Activities
- Harm Free PE
- List of Games Inducted into Hall of Shame
- Physical Education Hall of Shame FREE PD Course
- The Physical Education Hall of Shame I
- The Physical Education Hall of Shame II
- The Physical Education Hall of Shame III
- The Physical Education Hall of Shame IV
- Was I Glorifying Violence with these Physical Education Games?
