Lyn Jenkins
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Physical Education and Health Education
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The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (2015) includes physical education and health education as part of a “well-rounded” education that should be offered to all students. Physical education and health education have positive associations with academic growth and achievement, attention and concentration, and lifetime healthy habits. While physical education and health education offer complementary knowledge and skills, they are separate academic subjects with separate regulations, requirements, and standards.
Iowa's recommended physical education and health education standards were approved and adopted by the Iowa State Board of Education on March 28, 2019, based on public input and review team recommendations. Learn about the adoption process and access the final report on the Physical Education and Health Standards Review Team webpage.
Physical Education Standards
Quality instructional programs in physical education are essential for building skills, advancing knowledge, and contributing to dispositions toward physical activity at all stages of life. Iowa adopted the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America standards and grade level outcomes for Iowa’s recommended Physical Education Standards.
Guidance for Physical Education Standards
Physical Education Compliance
Specific requirements for physical education are listed in the 281—Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix document.
Guidance Regarding Physical Education and High School Programs
PE Excusals and Less-than-Year-Long PE
Guidance for Physical Education for Students with Disabilities
Health Education
Health education may be a stand-alone course or integrated into Physical Education or other relevant courses in grades K-8. A quality health education program provides students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to make health-promoting decisions, achieve health literacy, adopt health-enhancing behaviors, and promote the health of others (Lewalen, 2015).
Visit the Health Education webpage for more information.
Teaching Endorsements in Physical Education and Health
In Iowa, teacher licensure is handled by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. For the requirements for teaching endorsements in physical education and health, use the following links:
Related Resources
Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child
Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs
Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (IAHPERD)