Health and Physical Education

student climbing wall reading for next step — Climbing to new heights with health and physical education

The ultimate objective of health and physical education is to empower students with health and physical literacy. We do this by:

Engaging students with meaningful learning experiences that develop their understanding, skills, mindsets and beliefs
Giving students autonomy in their learning
Inspiring students to apply learning in all aspects of life and in their community
Fostering a sense of belonging
Providing equitable access
Making learning fun and relevant!

Services Available

2024-25 SDCOE Health and Physical Education Professional Learning Calendar
Guiding Resource Curation
Customized Services for Districts/Sites (Professional Learning, Coaching, Strategic Planning, Curriculum Design/Identification, and more!)
Support with Ed Code Compliance (Federal Program Monitoring, Physical Fitness Testing, CA Healthy Youth Act, etc)
Networking and Collaboration

stay informed

SDCOE Announces Resources to Update Physical Education Programming!

CFHL-PEP Mini-Grants: Apply now to receive $7500 - $75,000 to update physical education programming. Check out the SDCOE CFHL-PEP Mini-Grant Description, Criteria and Application for more information.
FREE Professional Learning: All physical education professional learning by SDCOE is free to all San Diego County educators.
FREE Technical Assistance: Email pmetz@sdcoe.net for more information.

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Customized Professional Learning Available

Contact Paige Metz at pmetz@sdcoe.net to schedule customized professional learning for your district or site on topics including:

Standards-Based Instruction and Assessment
Social Emotional Learning
Universal Design for Learning
Equity in Health and Physical Education
Other topics related to quality health and physical education.

Learn More about Customized Professional Learning Available

Critical NEW Resources

SHAPE America recently released New National Standards for both Health and Physical Education. Click on the links below to learn more about these exciting new resources. They are game changers!

NEW SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards: Educator Kit (released March 2024)
NEW SHAPE America National Health Education Standards: Educator Kit (released March 2024)

2024-25 Health and Physical Education Updates

New California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations Released!

The California Department of Education (CDE) has released the California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF).

New Guiding Docs Define Quality Physical Education! How Can They Inform Your Work?

The SDCOE Health and Physical Education Leadership Cadre recently released two documents that define “First Best Instruction” for physical education in terms of learning environment, instruction, curriculum, assessment and professionalism.

Reference Guide for Physical Education in California Schools Defines Physical Education, California Ed Code and Lighthouse Practices for Physical Education Programming!

Share the New Reference Guide for Physical Education in California Schools!

Use “First Best Instruction Docs” to Evolve Your Practice and Program

Critical Resources for Quality Instruction

Critical Resources for Physical Education

Critical Resources for Health Education

More to Explore

Professional Learning and Networking Opportunities

Learn About Physical Education’s Latest Operating System: Physical Education 2.0!

Join us as we discuss critical evolutions to our discipline related to: learning environment; instruction; curriculum; assessment; and professionalism. Physical Education 2.0 will provide opportunities to rethink traditional practice, utilize new guiding documents.

SDCOE Exemplary Elementary Physical Education Site Visits

Join us as we examine "First Best Instruction" in elementary physical education in real time. Visits will feature exemplary physical education teachers and programs working their magic with students. We will utilize new "First Best Instruction" documents created by the SDCOE Health and Physical Education Instructional Cadre to capture structures, strategies, assessments and inspiration! Debrief and Q and A time will be provided to best understand how practices can be replicated.

See What is Possible at Exemplary Site Visits!

Join us as we examine "First Best Instruction" in physical education in real time. Visits will feature exemplary physical education teachers and programs working their magic with students.

SDCOE Exemplary Unified Physical Education Site Visits

Join us as we examine "First Best Instruction" in United physical education (classes that bring together general and adapted physical education students) in real time. Visits will feature exemplary physical education teachers and programs working their magic with students. We will utilize new "First Best Instruction" documents created by the SDCOE Health & Physical Education Instructional Cadre to capture structures, strategies, assessments and inspiration! Debrief and Q and A time will be provided to best understand how practices can be replicated.

Health and Physical Education Literacy, Standards and Framework

Physical Education

The intended outcome of physical education is to build students’ Physical Literacy. Physical Literacy describes the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. (Margaret Whitehead, 2014 as cited by the International Physical Literacy Association 2015).

California Elementary and Middle School Overarching Standards

The five overarching model content standards for elementary and middle school students are as follows:

Standard 1: Students demonstrate the motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities.
Standard 2: Students demonstrate knowledge of movement concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and performance of physical activities.
Standard 3: Students assess and maintain a level of physical fitness to improve health and performance.
Standard 4: Students demonstrate knowledge of physical fitness concepts, principles, and strategies to improve health and performance.
Standard 5: Students demonstrate and utilize knowledge of psychological and sociological concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and performance of physical activity.

California High School Overarching Standards

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.

Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools (PDF)

Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools

SHAPE America National Health Education Standards: Educator Kit

Health Education

The intended outcome of health education is to develop students’ Health Literacy. Health-literate students are those who understand basic health information, directions and services needed to make informed personal health decisions which may also contribute to healthier communities. Health Literate and health-informed students are:

Critical thinkers and problem-solvers when confronting health issues
Self-directed learners who have the competence and skills to use basic health information and services in health-enhancing ways
Effective communicators who organize and convey beliefs, ideas and information about health issues, translating their knowledge to applied practices
Responsible and productive citizens who help ensure that their community is kept health, sage and secure

Health Education Content Areas:

Nutrition and Physical Activity
Growth, Development and Sexual Health
Injury Prevention and Safety
Alcohol, tobacco and Other Drugs
Mental, Emotional and Social Health
Personal and Community Health

Overarching Health Education Standards: Kindergarten Through Grade 12

Standard 1: Essential Health Concepts — All students will comprehend essential concepts related to enhancing health.
Standard 2: Analyzing Health Influences — All students will demonstrate the ability to analyze internal and external influences that affect health.
Standard 3: Accessing Valid Health Information — All students will demonstrate the ability to access and analyze health information, products, and services.
Standard 4: Interpersonal Communication — All students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health.
Standard 5: Decision Making — All students will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health.
Standard 6: Goal Setting — All students will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting skills to enhance health.
Standard 7: Practice Health-Enhancing Behaviors — All Students will demonstrate the ability to practice behaviors that reduce risk and promote health.
Standard 8: Health Promotion — All students will demonstrate the ability to promote and support personal, family, and community health.

Health Model Content Standards (PDF)

Health Education Framework

Research, Articles and Resources

Articles

Resources

Health Education Resources

Physical Education Resources

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Equity and Access

SDCOE Equity Blueprint Webpage
SDCOE Equity Services and Support Webpage
California Department of Education: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students Webpage
National Equity Project: Libertory Design Mindsets (PDF)
Zeretta Hammond: Ready for Rigor - A Framework for Culturally Responsive Teaching (PDF)

Associations

Presidential Youth Fitness

CA Ed Code and Legislative Updates

Please review the California Department of Education's Physical Education FAQs for specific information about COVID, credentialing, required coursework, grading, independent study, exemptions, environmental factors, coaches, athletic insurance, aquatic instruction, dressing/lockers, charter schools, the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), pupil fees, uniform complain procedures and more!

CDE Physical Education FAQs

2024 Physical Fitness Testing The California Department of Education (CDE) announced that Physical Fitness Testing (PFT) protocols for 2023-24 will be identical to those that were used in the 2022-23 school year including:

NOT collecting any data related to body composition (height, weight)
NOT collecting age or gender data
NOT using the Healthy Fitness Zones as defined by FITNESSGRAM
Providing students with their personal fitness assessment scores
Reporting the percentage of students who participate in each of the five required fitness assessments (aerobic capacity, abdominal strength and endurance, trunk extensor strength and flexibility, upper body strength and endurance, flexibility) in the School Accountability Report Card

Teachers are encouraged to:

Encourage students to “do their best” on each fitness assessment so that it is an accurate measurement of their current fitness
Utilize grade-level standards to determine how PFT scores are utilized for students to set and achieve personal health and fitness goals
Give students options to test, not in front of peers
Protect student privacy
Prioritize an emotionally safe environment to avoid bullying and/or body shaming

For more information, visit the CDE PFT webpage and CDE PFT FAQ webpage.

Reference Guide for Physical Education in California Schools

San Diego CAHPERD Unit

The California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) is a nonprofit group who provides statewide support and advocacy in pursuit of quality health and physical education programming. San Diego, along with Orange and Imperial counties, make up Region 9 of the state organization.

Upcoming Meeting Dates

San Diego CAHPERD Social: All San Diego health and physical educators are invited to network with colleagues from throughout the county on Thursday, April 18 from 4:00 – 6:00 at Nova Brazil Brew Pub (1640 Camino Del Rio North, #341, San Diego).
San Diego County CAHPERD End of Year Awards and Social: Mark your calendars to attend the 2024 San Diego CAHPERD End of Year Awards and Social on Thursday, May 16 from 4:00 – 6:30. Location TBD. Don’t forget to nominate deserving teachers and programs for recognition. See the San Diego CAHPERD section below for more information.
- RSVP to attend by May 9

San Diego Unit CAHPERD Co-Presidents

This year Austin Olson (Pacific Trails Middle School, San Dieguito Union High School District) and Terri Clark (Patrick Henry High School, San Diego Unified School District) are collaborating as Co-Presidents of San Diego CAHPERD. Please feel free to contact them at austin.olson@sduhsd.net or at tclark1@sandi.net.

Teacher and Program of the Year Applications

Submit Award Nominations/Applications by April 15, 2024. For more information about the awards, contact Paige Metz.

Health and Physical Education Monthly Update Archive

Local, State, and National Professional Organizations/Partners

National Professional Organizations and Partners

Society for Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America
- SHAPE American National Convention: March 12 – 16, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Heart Association

State Professional Organizations and Partners

California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD” )
- 2024 CAHPERD State Conference: February 1-3, 2024 in Garden Grove, CA
California Department of Education (CDE)”
California Health Education Website

Local Professional Organization

San Diego CAHPERD
- Co-Presidents: Terri Clark (San Diego Unified SD) and Austin Olson (San Dieguito Union High SD)
- Upcoming Events:
  - Fall Social (TBD)
  - Winter Social at CAHPERD State Conference (TBD, Feb 1-3, 2024)
  - End of Year Awards and Social (TBD)
2023 End of Year Awards and Recognition:
- Teachers of the Year
  - Chris Ahrens, San Diego Unified (Adapted Physical Educator)
  - Ben Upham, Valhalla High School (Secondary Physical Educator)
New Professional of the Year
- Sara Langdon, Del Mar Union SD
Community Partner of the Year
- Chelsea Walczak-Vircks, American Heart Assoc
Administrator of the Year
Exemplary Contribution to the Profession
- Jasmine Stiles, San Dieguito Union High SD

Local Community Partners

San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative
- Local School Wellness Policy Clearinghouse and Model Policies
San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA)
- San Diego HHSA Tools for Schools

main contacts

Paige Metz

Coordinator, Instr & Curr Cont

School: 858-295-8868

Amber Baldwin

Administrative Assistant I

School: 858-298-2007