When we use the National Physical Education Standards to assess your child's progress what does that mean?

As Physical Educators we use the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards. We then look at the amount of teaching time, equipment, space and how our annual class schedule is set up in order to decide what can reasonably be taught that year in our Physical Education classes. We also update our lessons on a continuous basis in order to serve the different groups of students we are teaching each year.

Lessons are written with specific objectives, grade level outcomes and assessments that we use in class. Progress reports vary depending on unit specifics, student's participation throughout the year (such as participation, social interaction, respect etc.) and other specific skills (throwing, catching, skipping etc.).

We use the END OF THE YEAR Grade Level Outcomes and teach / develop skills throughout the year.

Progress Report Indicators: 

ES: Excels at Standards - student can use the skill, or perform expectations, in a variety of activities, in many different situations and they consistently far exceed the expected grade level outcome expectation in this area at completion of teaching year.

MS: Meets Standards  - student is right where they should be developmentally and for their age and ability with 

            this expected grade level outcome expectation in this area, usually, but not always, this is not until end of teaching year.

AS: Approaching Standards - student is on track mid-year for this expectation unless otherwise indicated on report.   

    If end of year grade then this student still needs practice in this area to reach the expected grade level outcome.

CA: Concerns in this Area - There are concerns that this student may not be able to meet the grade level expectations for 

           skill development before end of year and a teacher/parent conversation should happen.

NG: Not Graded - this is not an area that we grade a student in.  If we have not yet taught the skill we may add this in the 

            comment area as NY for Not Yet taught during at that point in the year.

SHAPE America's National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education define what a student should know and be able to do as result of a highly effective physical education program. States and local school districts across the country use the National Standards to develop or revise existing standards, frameworks and curricula.  

Standard 1: The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

Standard 2: The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.

Standard 3: The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.

Standard 4: The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.

Standard 5: The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.