Program Delivery

Elementary:

The focus of the elementary physical education program is the introduction and exploration of physical education skills and concepts. As an important part of the elementary school program that uniquely contributes to the school’s overall goals, physical education emphasizes the total development of the child (i.e., physical, motor, cognitive, social, and emotional development).

It is critical at the elementary level that students be guided through a series of developmentally appropriate experiences and activities that promote a desire to engage in physical activities, promote a sense of self worth, encourage cooperation and self-control, and lead to choices that promote a healthy life style.

NASPE’s recent research recommends an increase in physical activity for children, ages 5 to 12 years of age, to a minimum of 60 minutes and up to several hours per day. To help deliver a quality physical education program, NASPE recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of structured physical education per day. This instruction is to include vigorous physical activity, diagnosis and learning of neuromuscular skills, information about physical activity and fitness, and time to enjoy the use of skills and knowledge. Even though recess is an important part of an elementary school, it should not be used as a substitute for physical education instruction.

Middle School:

The focus of the middle school physical education program is to provide a daily opportunity, or a minimum of 225 minutes per week, for students to participate in a wide variety of physical activities and experiences that promote the mastery of the core skills introduced at the elementary level. Middle school physical education will build a framework for lifetime activities and healthy living.

Middle school is a time of transition, which may bring about an upheaval in physical, emotional, social, and intellectual worlds. To successfully bridge this transition, students will explore and apply information, as well as participate in activities, that empower them to assume responsibility for their own lifetime health, wellness, and fitness.

High School:


The focus of the high school physical education program is to promote healthy living and knowledge of lifetime activities. Students will take the responsibility for and apply their learning to their personal lifetime health and wellness. Lifetime Activities and Healthy Living is required for one semester for all 9th grade students and is a prerequisite for all other physical education courses at the high school level. To meet the National Standards and benchmarks and make fitness for life a priority, a minimum of two credits of physical education throughout their high school experience is recommended. Current KPBSD graduation requirements include one credit of physical education.

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