Overview
The goal of physical education is to develop healthy, responsible students who have
the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work together in groups, think critically,
and participate in a variety of activities that lead to a lifelong healthy lifestyle.
Research tells us that students who are physically active for 60 minutes a day have
higher self-confidence and more active synapses in the brain, experience a decrease
in chronic illnesses, and are less likely to be absent from school. Such students
are ready for career and college success. Time given to physical activity in school
must not only be incorporated, but also be of the highest quality.
The Physical Education Core utilizes appropriate instructional practices to develop
competence and confidence in a variety of lifetime activities and movement forms,
including sports, dance, outdoor recreation, and physical fitness. The emphasis is
on providing success and enjoyment for all students. Knowledge of the relationship
between proper nutrition and a consistent fitness regimen is the common thread running
through the core. Students develop life skills through cooperative and competitive
activity participation, and learn the value of a physically active life.
Teacher Spotlight
Please nominate a teacher, or yourself, who is using innovative and exciting methods
to engage students in health and physical education. Each month a teacher will be
chosen as the Spotlight and be featured in the monthly Health and Physical Education
Newsletter. Fill in the Teacher Spotlight for Health and Physical Education (Google Docs) to complete the nomination.
Adapted Physical Education
Adapted PE Best Practices Guidebook
Physical Education references:
Page 16 - Definition of Adapted P.E.
Page 38 - Definition of physical education as related to students with disabilities
Page 100 - Physical education services related to special education
Best Practices for Recess
As part of the Utah State Board of Education's Strategic Plan: Safe and Healthy Schools
Strategy B - "Increase adoption of evidence-based student health and wellness practices"
the Utah State Board of Education has created a document for recess best practices.
Recess guidelines are beneficial for informing physical activity and recess components
of local wellness policies. These policies are required to include specific goals
for physical activity especially those that promote student wellness. Recess is a
key component for a preventative policy.
Best Practices for Recess Guidance
Utah State Board of Education Health Education
