What Is Physical Education?

Physical education provides students with a planned, sequential, K-12 standards-based program of curricula and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge and behaviors for active living, physical fitness, sportsmanship, self-efficacy and emotional intelligence.   

SHAPE America has defined the essential components of physical education as:

1. Policy and environment
2. Curriculum
3. Appropriate instruction
4. Student assessment

Defining the essential components of physical education raises awareness for the critical policies and practices that guide school districts and schools in addressing students’ education needs. Physical educators, district wellness committees, and school administrators can use the Key Physical Education Resources to Support Healthy Schools menu to identify key resources that support each of the four essential components of physical education.