National Physical Education Standards

National Physical Education Standards, Fourth Edition, is the go-to book for all physical education teachers, providing the framework for creating curricula, designing lesson plans, and developing assessments. Created by SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators, the leading advocate for health and physical education, this text unveils the revised standards and new Grade-Span Learning Indicators, offers practical guidelines for implementation, and advances the idea that physical education means equity, access, and inclusion for all.

The text has been designed so teachers can easily build relevant and developmentally appropriate learning experiences that engage all preK-12 learners. Incorporating the standards, the text creates a framework for physical educators to focus on the well-being of the whole person and their physical literacy journey. This latest edition reflects the following key shifts: Grade-Span Learning Indicators that replace grade-level outcomes Learning Progressions that offer sample sequential tasks to address a range of skill abilities The research in motor development that provided the foundation for restructuring the National PE Standards and Grade-Span Learning Indicators Expansion of the term physical literacy to reflect the developmental journey students experience through their time as physical education students

National Physical Education Standards, Fourth Edition, begins by documenting the revisions process, including the research evidence that led to restructuring the previous standards. It clarifies the framework of the National PE Standards and the essential content of preK-12 physical education for key stakeholders (students, teachers, parents, curriculum directors, administrators, boards of education, and policy makers). The text concludes by providing physical educators with resources to assist in using the standards to guide instruction.

Administrators and teachers can confidently use National Physical Education Standards, Fourth Edition, to create high-quality physical education programs that prepare students for a lifetime of healthful and meaningful physical activity.