Key Points of Quality Physical Education

Learn the key points of the 4 components of a high-quality physical education program:

1. Opportunity to Learn:         

• All students are required to take physical education                  
• Instructional periods totaling 150 minutes per week (elementary) and 225 minutes per week (middle and secondary school)        
• Physical education class size consistent with that of other subject areas                     
• Qualified physical education specialist provides a developmentally appropriate program        
• Adequate equipment and facilities
  View related NASPE documents that support a student's opportunity to learn in physical education.      

2. Meaningful Content:                     

• Written, sequential curriculum for grades P-12, based on state and/or national standards for physical education                     
• Instruction in a variety of motor skills designed to enhance the physical, mental, and social/emotional development of every child                    
• itness education and assessment to help children understand, improve and/or maintain physical well-being       
• Development of cognitive concepts about motor skill and fitness                     
• Opportunities to improve emerging social and cooperative skills and gain a multi-cultural perspective                    
• Promotion of regular amounts of appropriate physical activity now and throughout life
  View NASPE documents that specify meaningful content -- what students "should know and be able to do" relative to physical activity and exercise.                        

3. Appropriate Instruction:         

• Full inclusion of all students ·        
• Maximum practice opportunities for class activities        
• Well-designed lessons that facilitate student learning        
• Out of school assignments that support learning and practice        
• Physical activity not assigned as or withheld as punishment
• Regular assessment to monitor and reinforce student learning
  View NASPE documents that offer guidance about appropriate instructional practice at early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school levels.    

4. Student and Program Assessment:         

• Assessment is an ongoing, vital part of the physical education program        
• Formative and summative assessment of student progress                     
• Student assessments aligned with state/national physical education standards and the written physical education curriculum         
• Assessment of program elements that support quality physical education        
• Stakeholders periodically evaluate the total physical education program effectiveness
  View NASPE documents that support student and program assessment.