From Introduction to Application:
Learning Progressions in PE
Bring the National Physical Education Standards to life through
planning, instruction, and assessment using learning progressions
Back by popular demand!
One of the notable changes in the new SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards is the shift from grade-level outcomes to grade-span learning indicators, which encompass multiple grade levels and stages of development. To help guide teachers, the new standards also include sample learning progressions.
This professional learning experience (PLE) will help you incorporate learning progressions in lesson planning and assessment to better meet your students where they are — and guide their progress toward developmentally appropriate outcomes.
The four-module program combines high-quality professional development with enrollment in a private professional learning community (PLC). The program’s content is based on the text National Physical Education Standards, Fourth Edition.
Yes, I’m interested!
About this Program
The Learning Progressions in PE professional learning experience includes four modules designed to provide you with the understanding and pedagogical practices needed to implement learning progressions into instruction in your own classes.
Each module includes:
- Self-guided study through chapter readings and assignments
- Video instruction through pre-recorded webinars (earn 2 SACH total for program)
- Connection, collaboration, and engagement in the private Professional Learning Community (PLC)
The program will culminate with a live Zoom discussion led by a member of the National Physical Education Standards Task Force.
This PLE is the perfect solution if you want to learn more than you would in a standard webinar but don’t have time to commit to an extensive online course.
Benefits
- Complete the self-guided study component (for each module) at a time and place that works best for you.
- Gain support and perspective from peers across the country … not just within your school district.
- Learn directly from the educators who were instrumental in creating the new National Physical Education Standards and learning progressions.
Key Details
Name: From Introduction to Application: Learning Progressions in PE
Type: Self-Guided Study + Pre-Recorded Webinars + Private PLC and Final Live Zoom Meeting
Timeline: TBD – Fall 2026
Topic: Curriculum & Instruction
Grade Level: PreK-12
Audience: Physical Education Teachers and Coordinators, Future Physical Educators, and PETE professors.
Included Materials: Free National Physical Education Standards e-book (a $37 value)
SHAPE America Members Save!
PLE Pricing
$100 Members
$150 Non-Members
Complete the webinars and earn a total of two SHAPE America Contact Hours.
Webinar 1
Understanding Learning Progressions
This webinar reviews the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards and provides an overview of the learning progressions. We will dive into why the learning progressions were created, how they align with the grade-span learning indicators, and why they will be helpful in your lesson planning.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Define learning progressions in conjunction with the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards;
- Explain how to use learning progressions to help educators and students apply grade-span learning indicators effectively.
Webinar 2
Creating Learning Progressions: Theoretical Foundations
This webinar will explain the developmental variables and conceptual factors used to create learning progressions. Understanding how learning progressions are created will help teachers utilize them more effectively in their instruction, as well as build additional learning progressions that are tailored to their students’ needs.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Describe how the developmental variables and conceptual factors impact the creation of learning progressions;
- Apply strategies for unpacking a learning progression in order to create developmentally appropriate practice tasks.
Webinar 3
Learning Progressions in Practice: Designing Lesson Plans
This webinar will begin to explore ways that educators can use learning progressions in lesson planning. We will show real-life scenarios and identify ways that learning progressions are used to create lesson plans.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Apply the information provided in the webinar to real-life, personalized scenarios;
- Explain how to use learning progressions to create lessons.
Webinar 4
Learning Progressions in Practice: Exploring Assessment for Learning
This webinar explores how to use learning progressions to develop meaningful formative assessments that support students on their physical literacy journey.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Explain the role of assessment in making decisions about learning progressions;
- Make physical education more meaningful through increased focus on assessment for learning.
Meet the Instructors
Jonathan Jones has been an educator in Prince George’s County, MD, for 18 years, including 13 years as a K-5 physical education teacher. In 2018, he was recognized as SHAPE Maryland’s Elementary PE Teacher of the Year. For the past five years, Jones has served as the school district’s physical education resource teacher, supporting curriculum development and teacher professional growth. Beyond his district role, he has contributed nationally through service on SHAPE America’s EDI Committee, Nominations Committee, and National Physical Education Standards Task Force. Jones is passionate about creating student-centered, standards-based PE programs that foster a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.
Dr. Fran Cleland has served on the SHAPE America Board of Directors, which included a term as president from 2017-2018. She was on the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards Task Force. She has also served as president of SHAPE PA and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. In addition, she served on the Council on Physical Education for Children and held several offices within the New Hampshire Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She received her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Purdue University and both a master’s and doctorate in physical education from Indiana University.
For more than 130 years, SHAPE America has been setting the standard for effective health and physical education.
Our National Physical Education Standards and National Health Education Standards serve as the foundation for health and PE programs nationwide, and our advocacy efforts have led to legislative victories for the health and physical education profession.
We know you have many choices for professional development. Thank you for joining the thousands of HPE professionals who use SHAPE America’s resources to elevate their teaching and advance their career. As a nonprofit organization, we appreciate and rely on your continued support.
Not a member? Join today to save on this PLE — and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, call 800-213-7193 or email askmembership@shapeamerica.org.
