California State Standards
For Physical Education
A Message from the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction:
Physical education significantly contributes to students’ well-being; therefore, it is an instructional priority for California schools and an integral part of our students’ educational experience. High-quality physical education instruction contributes to good health, develops fundamental and advanced motor skills, improves students’ self-confidence, and provides opportunities for increased levels of physical fitness that are associated with high academic achievement. The Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve affirms the standing of physical education; rigor is essential to achievement, and participation is not the same as education.
Mastering fundamental movement skills at an early age establishes a foundation that facilitates further motor skill acquisition and gives students increased capacity for a lifetime of successful and enjoyable physical activity experiences. Similarly, the patterns of physical activity acquired during childhood and adolescence are likely to be maintained throughout one’s physical, mental, and social benefits.
These standards focus on the content of physical education and incorporate the detail required to guide the development of consistent, high-quality physical education instructional programs aimed at student learning and achievement. The standards provide a comprehensive vision of what students need to know and be able to do at each grade level. In addition, the standards provide a model for high school course design.
Standards-based education maintains California’s control of schools. To help students achieve at high levels, local educators—with the full support and cooperation of families, businesses, and community partners—are encouraged to apply these standards and design the specific curricular and instructional strategies that best deliver the content to their students.
The physical education model content standards are complete and focused. They represent our commitment to promoting excellence in physical education instruction for every student in California.
Glee Johnson
President, State Board of Education
Jack O’Connell
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
(message taken from: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/)
Click on the button below to view a PDF of the California State Physical Education Standards: