Physical Education Course of Study

The high school course descriptions presented here communicate the essence of the high school physical education experience. The content articulates the knowledge, skills, and confidence students need to maintain meaningful physical activity throughout their lifetime. The course sequence provides a blueprint for delivering the content in a manner that equips students to make a successful transition from the physical education instructional program to participation in physical activity during adulthood. The adult lifestyle demands that individuals initiate and monitor their own participation in physical activity Family responsibilities, career demands, and individual choices influence physical activity patterns.

High School Courses 1 and 2 provide the foundation for high school instruction. Students develop proficient movement skills in each area of physical education; they expand their capabilities for independent learning; and they examine practices that allow for sound decision making to enhance successful participation in movement activities.

High School Course 3 and 4 are electives that provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of physical activities in search of one they can enjoy and participate in for a lifetime.

For high school youths the three overarching content standards are as follows:

Standard 1:

Students demonstrate knowledge of and competency in motor skills, movement patterns, and strategies needed to perform a variety of physical activities.

Standard 2:

Students achieve a level of physical fitness for health and performance while demonstrating knowledge of fitness concepts,

principles, and strategies.

Standard 3:

Students demonstrate knowledge of psychological and sociological concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and performance of physical activity.

The high school experience represents the culmination of physical education. From kindergarten through fifth grade, the content is

delivered incrementally to best enable student learning at the appropriate developmental level. In sixth through eighth grade, the content is consolidated and students’ skills are refined, representing a natural progression of skill sophistication. When students reach ninth grade, they are ready to integrate all that they know with all that they can do. They become capable of higher-order thinking and of more skilled performance. Therefore, the five elementary and middle school model content standards have been combined into the three high school model content standards noted earlier.

To fulfill the requirement for high school graduation, students must take two years of physical education in high school. In this

publication these two years are referred to as High School Course 1 and Course 2. The content of these courses has been selected from

activities listed in the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 10060.

In addition, High School Courses 3 and 4 are electives available to students. All schools are required by Education Code Section 51222

to provide physical education elective courses for students after they have completed the years of physical education required for grad- uation.

High School Course 3 electives allow students to explore a variety of physical activities in search of one for lifelong enjoyment. High

School Course 4 electives are designed as a continuation of High School Course 3 and are intended for students who wish to pursue advanced knowledge and skills and who want an intensive experience in an activity that they might commit to for the rest of their lives.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/pestandards.pdf