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Quality physical education programs are important because they provide learning experiences that meet the developmental needs of youngsters, improving a child’s mental alertness, academic performance, readiness to learn and enthusiasm for learning. According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, a high-quality physical education program includes the following components: opportunity to learn, meaningful content and appropriate instruction.
Opportunity to Learn
- Instructional periods totaling 150 minutes per week (elementary) or 225 minutes per week (middle and secondary school)
- Qualified physical education specialist providing a developmentally appropriate program
- The teacher: pupil ratio in physical education is no greater than 1:25 for optimal instruction
- Adequate equipment and facilities
Meaningful Content
- Instruction in a variety of motor skills that are designed to enhance the physical, mental, and social/emotional development of every child
- Fitness education and assessment to help children understand, improve and/or maintain their physical well-being
- Development of cognitive concepts about motor skill and fitness
- Opportunities to improve their emerging social and cooperative skills and gain a multi-cultural perspective
- Promotion of regular amounts of appropriate physical activity now and throughout life
Appropriate Instruction
- Full inclusion of all students
- Maximum practice opportunities for class activities
- Well-designed lessons that facilitate student learning
- Out-of-school assignments that support learning and practice
- No physical activity for punishment
- Regular assessment to monitor and reinforce student learning
Adapted from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, Fact Sheet: What Constitutes a Quality Physical Education Program?
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