Office of Curriculum, Technology, & Assessment

Physical Education: Rationale Statement

A wealth of information has been accumulated to point to the importance of physical activity in promoting health and wellness. Evidence also indicates that habits (lifestyles) established in youth are likely to influence adult lifestyles and associated health and wellness. Physical activity, a primary (protective) factor for many chronic health conditions, is an integral part of comprehensive school health education but also must be promoted as an important educational goal.

Meeting physical activity standards includes both promotion of physical activity among youth and promotion of lifelong physical activity that will enhance workplace skills, fitness, and wellness associated with quality of life. Achieving lifetime physical activity standards results in learning real life skills. Higher-order skills include decision making and problem solving required to become informed, lifetime physical activity consumers.

1. Students will develop competency in all fundamental movement skills and proficiency in some movement forms.
2. Students will analyze scientific concepts and and principles to understand, evaluate, and enhance movement skill acquisition and performance.
3. Students will participate in physical activity to achieve and maintain a health enhancing level of physical fitness.
4. Students will develop responsible and respectful personal and social behavior in physical activity settings.
5. Students will understand that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, social interaction, and employment.