Health and Physical Education
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The ultimate objective of health and physical education is to empower students with health and physical literacy. We do this by:
· Engaging students with meaningful learning experiences that develop their understanding, skills, mindsets and beliefs
· Providing equitable access to content
· Giving students autonomy in their learning
· Inspiring them to apply their learning in all aspects of life and in their communities
· Making learning fun and relevant!
Services Available
- Professional Learning
- Resource Development
- Networking and Collaboration
- Customized Services for Districts/Sites (Professional Learning, Coaching, Strategic Planning, Curriculum Design/Identification, and more!)
- Support with Ed Code Compliance (Federal Program Monitoring, Physical Fitness Testing, CA Healthy Youth Act, etc)
stay informed
2024 SDCOE Health and Physical Education March Update
2023-24 SDCOE Health and Physical Education Professional Learning Calendar
Sign up for our SDCOE Health and Physical Education Monthly Update
More to Explore
- Professional Learning and Networking Opportunities
- 2023-24 Health and Physical Education Updates
- Health and Physical Education Literacy, Standards and Framework
- Research, Articles and Resources
- CA Ed Code and Legislative Updates
- San Diego CAHPERD Unit
- Health and Physical Education Monthly Update Archive
- Local, State and National Professional Organizations/Partners
Professional Learning and Networking Opportunities
SDCOE Health and Physical Education Advisory Meeting
District and site leaders are invited to a collaborative conversation on national/state/local updates, professional learning, trends, best practices, resources and more.
SDCOE Exemplary Secondary Physical Education Site Visits
Join us as we examine "First Best Instruction" in secondary physical education in real time. Visits will feature exemplary physical education teachers and programs working their magic with students at the following schools:
- Pacific Beach Middle School (San Diego Unified SD)
- Valhalla High School (Grossmont Union High SD)
We will utilize NEW "First Best Instruction" documents created by the SDCOE Health & Physical Education Instructional Cadre to capture structures, strategies, assessments and inspiration! Debrief and Q&A time will be provided to best understand how practices can be replicated.
SDCOE Exemplary Unified Physical Education Site Visits
Join us as we examine "First Best Instruction" in United physical education (classes that bring together general and adapted physical education students) in real time. Visits will feature exemplary physical education teachers and programs working their magic with students including:
- Deirdre Fabian, Perry Elementary (San Diego Unified SD)
- Chris Ahrens, Patrick Henry High School (San Diego Unified SD)
We will utilize NEW "First Best Instruction" documents created by the SDCOE Health & Physical Education Instructional Cadre to capture structures, strategies, assessments and inspiration! Debrief and Q&A time will be provided to best understand how practices can be replicated.
SDCOE Exemplary Elementary Physical Education Site Visits
Join us as we examine "First Best Instruction" in elementary physical education in real time. Visits will feature exemplary physical education teachers and programs working their magic with students including:
- Brian Nassif, Albert Einstein Elementary Charter School
- Robbie De Perro, Perry Elementary (San Diego Unified SD)
We will utilize NEW "First Best Instruction" documents created by the SDCOE Health and Physical Education Instructional Cadre to capture structures, strategies, assessments and inspiration! Debrief and Q&A time will be provided to best understand how practices can be replicated.
San Diego CAHPERD Social: All San Diego health and physical educators are invited to network with colleagues from throughout the county on Thursday, April 18, from 4:00 – 6:00 at Nova Brazil Brew Pub (1640 Camino Del Rio North, #341, San Diego).
San Diego County CAHPERD End of Year Awards and Social: Mark your calendars to attend the 2024 San Diego CAHPERD End of Year Awards and Social on Thursday, May 16, from 4 – 6:30 p.m. Location TBD. Don’t forget to nominate deserving teachers and programs for recognition. See the San Diego CAHPERD section below for more information.
2023-24 Health and Physical Education Updates
NEW Reference Guide for Physical Education in California Schools Released
The Reference Guide for Physical Education in California Schools supports the implementation of quality physical education by:
- Describing the intended outcome of physical education
- Clarifying CA Ed Code and regulations
- Addressing coming issues, questions and misunderstandings
- Providing the opportunity to assess and rethink physical education traditions
- Guiding course design, curriculum and instructional practice
- Providing access to resources
Health and Physical Education Literacy, Standards and Framework
Physical Education
The intended outcome of physical education is to build students’ Physical Literacy. Physical Literacy describes the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. (Margaret Whitehead, 2014 as cited by the International Physical Literacy Association 2015).
Elementary and Middle School Overarching Standards
The five overarching model content standards for elementary and middle school students are as follows:
- Standard 1: Students demonstrate the motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities.
- Standard 2: Students demonstrate knowledge of movement concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and performance of physical activities.
- Standard 3: Students assess and maintain a level of physical fitness to improve health and performance.
- Standard 4: Students demonstrate knowledge of physical fitness concepts, principles, and strategies to improve health and performance.
- Standard 5: Students demonstrate and utilize knowledge of psychological and sociological concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and performance of physical activity.
High School Overarching Standards
For high school youths the three overarching content standards are as follows:
- Standard 1: Students demonstrate knowledge of and competency in motor skills, movement patterns, and strategies needed to perform a variety of physical activities.
- Standard 2: Students achieve a level of physical fitness for health and performance while demonstrating knowledge of fitness concepts, principles, and strategies.
- Standard 3: Students demonstrate knowledge of psychological and sociological concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and performance of physical activity.
Health Education
The intended outcome of health education is to develop students’ Health Literacy. Health-literate students are those who understand basic health information, directions and services needed to make informed personal health decisions which may also contribute to healthier communities. Health Literate and health-informed students are:
- Critical thinkers and problem-solvers when confronting health issues
- Self-directed learners who have the competence and skills to use basic health information and services in health-enhancing ways
- Effective communicators who organize and convey beliefs, ideas and information about health issues, translating their knowledge to applied practices
- Responsible and productive citizens who help ensure that their community is kept health, sage and secure
Health Education Content Areas:
- Nutrition and Physical Activity
- Growth, Development and Sexual Health
- Injury Prevention and Safety
- Alcohol, tobacco and Other Drugs
- Mental, Emotional and Social Health
- Personal and Community Health
Overarching Health Education Standards: Kindergarten Through Grade 12
- Standard 1: Essential Health Concepts — All students will comprehend essential concepts related to enhancing health.
- Standard 2: Analyzing Health Influences — All students will demonstrate the ability to analyze internal and external influences that affect health.
- Standard 3: Accessing Valid Health Information — All students will demonstrate the ability to access and analyze health information, products, and services.
- Standard 4: Interpersonal Communication — All students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health.
- Standard 5: Decision Making — All students will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health.
- Standard 6: Goal Setting — All students will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting skills to enhance health.
- Standard 7: Practice Health-Enhancing Behaviors — All Students will demonstrate the ability to practice behaviors that reduce risk and promote health.
- Standard 8: Health Promotion — All students will demonstrate the ability to promote and support personal, family, and community health.
Research, Articles and Resources
Research
Articles
- 5 Ways to Change How Students View PE Class
- Making Schools Safe for LGBTQIA+ Students
- What is Physical Literacy?
- Why is Physical Education A Student's Most Important Subject?
- Physical Literacy Video (shared by Becky Paradise, San Diego Unified)
- Seven Successful Strategies for Literate Assessment Article
- Gym Class is Dead – But Long Live Physical Education
- What Physical Educators Should Know About Concussion
- Transgender Inclusion
- A Return to Play: Movement Training for Youth Athletes
- Culture and Equity in Boston Public Schools
- Action for Healthy Kids: Game On
- The Foundations of an Effective Practice Session
- Conquering the Creativity Challenge
- Go Outside and Play With Your Friends
- How You Felt About Gym Class May Impact Your Exercise Habits Today
- How to Limit the Effects of Stereotype Thinking on Your Physical Education or Health Class as a Pathway to Achieving 50 Million Strong
- What Does 50 Million Strong by 2029 Look Like In Practice? Gaining Student Voice
- 5 Teaching Tips We Need to Take From the PE Department
- TEDxOrlando: Exercise and the Brain
- Are Physical Educators TRULY Including All Students?
- Student Learning in Physical Education: The Minimum Six
- Move Over Dodgeball: School Pump Up PE with Choices
- 100 Ways to Use Technology in Physical Education
- Are Physical Educators TRULY Including All Students?
- Giving PE the Respect it Deserves
- Longer Gym Class Periods Reduce Childhood Obesity
- Grading What Matters
- A Complete Definition of College and Career Readiness
- Seven Keys to Effective Feedback
Resources
Health Education Resources
- Health Education Content Standards for California Public Schools (PDF)
- Health Education Framework for California Public Schools (PDF)
- California Health Education Website
- California Health Education Lesson Planning Template
- SDCOE Health Education Quality Components and Features
- SDCOE Health Education Grant Webpage
Physical Education Resources
- Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools (PDF)
- Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools (PDF)
- California Physical Education Self-Assessment Checklist (PDF)
- SHAPE America: Appropriate Instructional Practice Guidelines, K-12 (PDF)
- SHAPE America: The Essential Components of Physical Education (PDF)
- SHAPE America: Is it Physical Education or Physical Activity? Understanding the Difference Webpage
- California Department of Education: Physical Education FAQs Webpage
- California Department of Education: Physical Fitness Testing (PFT) Webpage
- Centers for Disease Control: Physical Education Curriculum Assessment Tool (PECAT) Webpage
- SDCOE Physical Education Quality Components and Features
- SDCOE Lesson Planning for Physical Literacy Template
- Fit 2 Learn, Fit 4 Life (website)
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- CASEL’s SEL Framework & Competencies (PDF)
- CASEL’s SEL 3 Signature Practices Playbook (PDF)
- SHAPE America: Physical Education SEL Crosswalk Webpage
- SHAPE America: Health Education SEL Crosswalk Webpage
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- CAST UDL Guidelines Webpage
- Katie Novak: What is UDL? Video
- Todd Rose at TEDxSonomaCounty: The Myth of Average Video
Equity and Access
- SDCOE Equity Blueprint Webpage
- SDCOE Equity Services and Support Webpage
- California Department of Education: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students Webpage
- National Equity Project: Libertory Design Mindsets (PDF)
- Zeretta Hammond: Ready for Rigor - A Framework for Culturally Responsive Teaching (PDF)
Associations
CA Ed Code and Legislative Updates
Please review the California Department of Education's Physical Education FAQs for specific information about COVID, credentialing, required coursework, grading, independent study, exemptions, environmental factors, coaches, athletic insurance, aquatic instruction, dressing/lockers, charter schools, the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), pupil fees, uniform complain procedures and more!
2024 Physical Fitness Testing The California Department of Education (CDE) announced that Physical Fitness Testing (PFT) protocols for 2023-24 will be identical to those that were used in the 2022-23 school year including:
- NOT collecting any data related to body composition (height, weight)
- NOT collecting age or gender data
- NOT using the Healthy Fitness Zones as defined by FITNESSGRAM
- Providing students with their personal fitness assessment scores
- Reporting the percentage of students who participate in each of the five required fitness assessments (aerobic capacity, abdominal strength and endurance, trunk extensor strength and flexibility, upper body strength and endurance, flexibility) in the School Accountability Report Card
Teachers are encouraged to:
- Encourage students to “do their best” on each fitness assessment so that it is an accurate measurement of their current fitness
- Utilize grade-level standards to determine how PFT scores are utilized for students to set and achieve personal health and fitness goals
- Give students options to test, not in front of peers
- Protect student privacy
- Prioritize an emotionally safe environment to avoid bullying and/or body shaming
For more information, visit the CDE PFT webpage and CDE PFT FAQ webpage.
Reference Guide for Physical Education in California Schools
San Diego CAHPERD Unit
The California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) is a nonprofit group started in 1930 to promote healthful lifestyles though quality education. San Diego Unit 47-412 meets two or three times a year. The meetings are open to the public and to educators who aren't a member of the statewide organization.
Upcoming Meeting Dates
- San Diego CAHPERD Social: All San Diego health and physical educators are invited to network with colleagues from throughout the county on Thursday, April 18 from 4:00 – 6:00 at Nova Brazil Brew Pub (1640 Camino Del Rio North, #341, San Diego).
- San Diego County CAHPERD End of Year Awards and Social: Mark your calendars to attend the 2024 San Diego CAHPERD End of Year Awards and Social on Thursday, May 16 from 4:00 – 6:30. Location TBD. Don’t forget to nominate deserving teachers and programs for recognition. See the San Diego CAHPERD section below for more information.
San Diego Unit CAHPERD Co-Presidents
This year Austin Olson (Pacific Trails Middle School, San Dieguito Union High School District) and Terri Clark (Patrick Henry High School, San Diego Unified School District) are collaborating as Co-Presidents of San Diego CAHPERD. Please feel free to contact them at austin.olson@sduhsd.net or at tclark1@sandi.net.
Teacher and Program of the Year Applications
Teacher and Program of the Year awards are given out at the unit's end-of-year banquet. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2022. For more information about the awards, contact Paige Metz.
Health and Physical Education Monthly Update Archive
SDCOE Health and Physical Education February Update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education January Update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education December Update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education November Update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education October Update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education September Update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education June 2023 update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education May 2023 update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education April 2023 update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education March 2023 update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education February 2023 update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education January 2023 update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education December 2022 update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education November 2022 update
SDCOE Health and Physical Education October 2022 update
Local, State and National Professional Organizations/Partners
National Professional Organizations and Partners
- Society for Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America
- SHAPE American National Convention: March 12 – 16, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- American Heart Association
State Professional Organizations and Partners
- California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD” )
- 2024 CAHPERD State Conference: February 1-3, 2024 in Garden Grove, CA
- California Department of Education (CDE)”
- California Health Education Website
Local Professional Organization
- San Diego CAHPERD
- Co-Presidents: Terri Clark (San Diego Unified SD) and Austin Olson (San Dieguito Union High SD)
- Upcoming Events:
- Fall Social (TBD)
- Winter Social at CAHPERD State Conference (TBD, Feb 1-3, 2024)
- End of Year Awards and Social (TBD)
- 2023 End of Year Awards and Recognition:
- Teachers of the Year
- Chris Ahrens, San Diego Unified (Adapted Physical Educator)
- Ben Upham, Valhalla High School (Secondary Physical Educator)
- Teachers of the Year
- New Professional of the Year
- Sara Langdon, Del Mar Union SD
- Community Partner of the Year
- Chelsea Walczak-Vircks, American Heart Assoc
- Administrator of the Year
- Exemplary Contribution to the Profession
- Jasmine Stiles, San Dieguito Union High SD
- Jasmine Stiles, San Dieguito Union High SD
Local Community Partners
- San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative
- San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA)