SHAPE America sets the standard for health and physical education in the U.S., and its National Standards for K–12 Physical Education serve as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country.
SHAPE America publishes standards for K-12 physical education, for sport coaches, and for beginning physical education teachers. The goal of physical education is to develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.
The American Cancer Society publishes standards critical to the healthy development of children and youth. National Health Education Standards, developed by the Joint Committee on National Health Education Standards, improve student learning across the nation by providing a foundation for curriculum development, instruction, and assessment of student performance. National Health Education Standards provide a guide for enhancing preparation and continuing education of teachers.
Become a health and physical education advocacy expert by using these state-specific resources! Access your state standards for health education and physical education, state fact sheets, presentations, templates, and links to key stakeholders.
Coaches, coaching educators, administrators, athletes and the public use the national standards for sport coaches for direction regarding the skills and knowledge that coaches should possess. The national standards aid in providing quality training that will have a positive impact on coaches' performance, as well as establishing benchmarks for hiring quality coaches.
SHAPE America's Adapted Physical Activity Council (APAC) invites you to learn more about the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS). APENS is provided by the National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPERID).
Key elements and concepts from the dance education standards have been included within the National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education. To learn more or view standards specific to dance education you can find the National Core Arts Standards in Dance below.