Physical Education

Physical education (PE) is an essential part of students’ overall development and well-being. It is a structured, standards-based academic subject that follows a planned, sequential Pre-K–12 curriculum. Quality PE programs provide developmentally appropriate instruction across a wide range of movement and activity areas, including motor skills, fitness, rhythm and dance, cooperative games, and team and individual sports. These programs are designed to promote each student's physical, mental, emotional, and social growth while layinglaying out the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

Effective physical education goes beyond physical movement—it helps build students’ self-confidence, teamwork, and decision-making skills while also reinforcing the importance of regular physical activity. PE should be taught by qualified professionals who are certified or licensed and meet state endorsement requirements.

Tennessee Academic Standards

Best Practice:

Sumner County Schools

Sumner County Schools Coordinated School Health (CSH) team has been working to implement the SPARK curriculum for over 10 years, and in 2019, they committed to becoming a SPARK District. Every year physical education teachers participate in workshops to learn how to navigate the instructional materials and digital content, then prepare effective lessons and provide active examples that foster best practices. To date, 29 physical educators have become certified in the SPARK curriculum through SPARKecademy. This online professional development resource allows teachers to track their training and submit their completed credentials for credit hours through the Sumner Schools Teachers Center.

In 2021 - 22, Sumner County Schools received $130,440.72 in ESSER funding to mitigate learning loss and support student academic achievement. This gift has allowed every educator a coordinated package of research and standards-based curriculum, interactive teacher training, content-matched equipment, and extensive follow-up and support. Each

curriculum set (K-2), (3-6), (Middle School), (High School), and (Inclusive PE) includes these outstanding elements: a binder, folio, CD playlist, phone app, and digital curriculum. The goal is to all be on the same page across the district, which is most helpful when students move within the community and attend a new school. To further support a complete wrap-around approach, CSH provided curriculum bundles for their seven state-recognized Early Childhood Education programs to focus on school readiness and provided after-school programs with curriculum to focus on cooperation, fitness, sports, and much more for opportunities outside the school day.

Sumner County School’s CSH measures the success of this work by teacher feedback.

"As a PE teacher, this has been the best training I have ever received, period; it's content-specific and is exactly what I needed. Thank you for bringing SPARK to Sumner County". - Sumner County Schools Teacher

"Finally, a curriculum that is PE specific"! - Sumner County Schools Teacher

"I love pulling out resources directly from my folio at class time." - Sumner County Schools Teacher

"This is what I have been looking for; new and creative lessons for my high school class." - Sumner County Schools Teacher

"What an enhancement to my PE program; I know my scholars are going to love this"! - Sumner County Schools Teacher

"The SPARK curriculum has made my life so much easier, and now an app; woo hoo!" - Sumner County Schools Teacher

"A big thank you shout out for the Inclusive PE license; I have needed something like this for years." - Sumner County Schools Teacher

"I am taking back so many new ideas; now I'm looking forward to my Principal visiting our classroom." - Sumner County Schools Teacher

Adapted Physical Education

The department has developed this guide as a means to provide expanded resources for adapted physical education and inclusion inspecially designed physical education in general education or small group settings.

Adapted Physical Education: An Introductory Tennessee Resource Guide

Professional development training, resources, instructional supports and specialized equipment can have a positive impact on academic outcomes for all students in physical education, not just those with adapted physical education in their IEP.

This is a non-exhaustive list of resources and initiatives utilized by districts to support instruction in various topics. The following resources and links are for informational purposes only and do not represent official policies, procedures, or guidance of the Tennessee Department of Education (department). Any links to products or services are neither endorsed nor vetted by the department. Additionally, the department bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external sites. Please note that nothing herein constitutes legal advice, and you should consult your district team and legal counsel with any questions.

Quality Physical Education:

High quality physical education teaches students the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime.

SHAPE America’s Guidelines for Facilities, Equipment, Instructional Materials & Technology in K-12 Physical Education

Tools and Resources:

Online Physical Education Network (OPEN): Free K-12 Physical Education Curriculum Includes grade-specific curriculum modules complete with modifiable activity plans, lesson plans, assessments, and academic language cards.

SPARK: Physical education curriculum, equipment and professional development

CATCH Physical Education Module

Dynamic PE ASAP

Five for Life: by Focused Fitness

ATHLOS Movement and Character Program - Physical Education

Using Technology in Physical Education

CDC’s Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT)

SPARK

Pacer:

The FitnessGram PACER test measures aerobic capacity, which is the body’s ability to efficiently use oxygen. Aerobic capacity is a health indicator and is included as a reported health measurement with other screening data conducted by Coordinated School Health like blood pressure, vision and hearing for students in grades 4, 6, 8, and one year of high school. Provided here are some tools and resources to help with PACER facilitation.