National Association for Sport and Physical Education
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- Rewarding Excellence in Physical Education -

What is Program Evaluation?

The quality and productivity of each person's life is enhanced by participating in a comprehensive, inclusive and sequentially planned physical education program that promotes lifelong health through physical activity. NASPE's Physical Education Program Guidelines provide a framework for schools and school districts to design and implement exemplary physical education programs through a comprehensive self-study and review process. 

Quality physical education programs model the essential elements necessary to provide meaningful learning opportunities for all students. Essential elements of a quality physical education program include meaningful and challenging content based on the national standards for physical education, multiple and varied learning opportunities, educationally and developmentally appropriate instructional strategies, student and program assessment, adequate facilities, equipment that are safe and appropriate for the age and abilities of the students with classes taught by certified physical educators, among others. Schools implementing the Physical Education Program Guidelines teach all students the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for motor development to achieve movement competency, health-related fitness, and promote lifelong physical activity. By improving the quality of school physical education programs across the country, there will be a direct effect on the health of America's children.

 

Engaging the entire physical education department in reviewing the schools physical education program using the Physical Education Program Guidelines and related program assessment tools will provide a meaningful team-building and professional growth experience for all. 

The Physical Education Program Evaluation Guidelines guidance document  outlines 30 elements of a quality program and identifies three levels of evidence required to determine if program is developing, progressing toward, or meeting the guidelines of a quality physical education program.

The Physical Education Program Evaluation Guidelines Action Plan provides a framework for the physical education department to assign and complete tasks related to conducting the self-study program review.

The Physical Education Program Evaluation Guidelines Rating Tool is a four-level rating guide to use when evaluating each of the 30 essential elements of the school physical education program.  Comment sections are provided to add details about each element as necessary.

Use the School Physical Education Program Checklist How Does Your Program Rate? document as a way to summarize the physical education program guidelines met in your program and outline steps necessary to advocate for change. School administrators and policymakers are encouraged and empowered to use results and feedback to deem where to allocate efforts and resources to meet program needs and promote strong foundations for learning. PETE programs will find the guidelines and tools useful for teaching program candidates about components of a quality physical education program, critical instructional skills, and for discussion and practice purposes.