We know that health and physical education leads to student success. Active kids have more focus and concentration in school. They also behave better in class and get higher test scores.
But as more schools look for ways to support the whole child in the year ahead — including students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being — HPE teachers will continue to play a pivotal role.
Health & PE is where children learn:
- Fundamental motor skills needed to participate in physical activity and important skills needed to lead a healthy lifestyle — vital for well-being at all ages and stages of life;
- Critical social-emotional skills to help manage emotions and handle daily challenges;
- Important character traits and values such as resilience, fairness, honesty, kindness, and respect for self and others.
Administrators, teachers, and parents all share a responsibility to provide kids with high-quality, standards-based instruction by trained and certified educators.
Together, we have the power to change children’s lives by continuing to advocate for effective health and physical education programs.
SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States. The organization’s extensive community includes a diverse membership of health and physical educators, as well as advocates, supporters, and 50+ state affiliate organizations.
Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education. For decades, SHAPE America’s National Standards for K-12 Physical Education have served as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country. The organization also collaboratively developed and owns the National Health Education Standards, which provide the framework for effective skills-based health education instruction for all K-12 students.
National Standards Revision Update
SHAPE America task forces are nearing the end of the multiyear collaborative process to update both the National Physical Education Standards and the National Health Education Standards. When completed, both sets of national standards will speak to current best practices and research-informed curriculum. They will be relevant, inclusive and culturally affirming.
Throughout the process, members of the HPE community provided feedback through:
- Virtual Town Halls
- In-Person Feedback Sessions at the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo
- Formal Surveys During Multiple Rounds of Public Review and Comment
Learn more about final opportunities to provide feedback during the revision of the National Physical Education Standards (August 8-31, 2023) and National Health Education Standards (September 2023).
Mark your calendars for the 2024 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Cleveland (March 12-16), where we will launch both sets of national standards! >>