Alabama Course of Study 
                                                                                      Physical Education 
                
                
                
                
                  
                
                
                
                
                
                                                                                                         
                                                                                             Eric G. Mackey 
                                                                                State Superintendent of Education 
                                                         ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 
                                                                                                         
                                                                        Alabama Course of Study: Physical Education                                                                              i 
                                                                                                         
                                                 
                
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
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                                                     For information regarding the 
                                                     Alabama Course of Study:  Physical Education 
                                                     contact the Instructional Services Division, 
                                                     Alabama State Department of Education, 
                                                     3345 Gordon Persons Building, 
                                                     50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104; 
                                                     or by mail to P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2101; 
                                                     or by telephone at (334) 694-4768. 
                
               Eric G. Mackey, State Superintendent of Education 
               Alabama State Department of Education 
               The Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in 
               their programs and activities and provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries 
               regarding the non-discrimination policies: 
               Title IX Coordinator 
               Alabama State Dept. of Education 
               P. O. Box 302101 
               Montgomery, AL  36130 
               (334) 694-4723 
                
                                                                       Alabama Course of Study: Physical Education                                                                              i 
                                                                                                         
                                                           
                                        STATE SUPERINTENDENT 
                                      OF EDUCATION’S MESSAGE                                                                                 Members 
                                                                                                                                                of the  
         Dear Educator: 
                                                                                                                                     Alabama State Board  
         Quality physical education is an essential component of the educational preparation for Alabama                                   of Education 
         students with planned, sequential, standards-based curriculum and instruction. It is designed to 
         develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for active living, physical fitness, sportsmanship,                                          
         self-efficacy, and emotional intelligence.  A quality physical education program is an essential                              Governor KAY IVEY 
         part of the Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community (WSCC) and the Every Student                                   President of the State Board of Education 
         Succeeds Act (ESSA), which promotes a well-rounded education for every child.  Strong                                                      
         evidence demonstrates that the physical fitness and motor skill development of children and youth                                          
         are substantially enhanced by a quality physical education program. Active Living Research                  District 
         concludes more time in physical education leads to improved grades and standardized test scores.           
         In schools that are under government mandates to bridge the achievement gap, physical education                 I     Jackie Zeigler 
         can actually help improve the students’ scores.                                                                        
                                                                                                                        II     Tracie West 
         The learning environment in physical education has changed dramatically since the start of the 
            st
         21  century. Previously a sports- and recreation-based class, physical education has transformed 
         into a content area focused on behavioral changes and lifelong healthful living. (Committee on                III     Stephanie W. Bell 
         Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment; Food and Nutrition 
         Board; Institute of Medicine, 2013, Ennis, 2014).                                                             IV      Yvette Richardson, EdD 
                                                                                                                                
         The 2019 Alabama Course of Study: Physical Education serves as the foundation for the                          V      Ella B. Bell 
         development of physical education programs that can improve and enhance the quality of life for            
         Alabama students.  By participating in developmentally appropriate practices outlined in this                 VI      Cynthia Sanders McCarty, PhD 
         course of study, students learn health-enhancing and appropriate interactive behaviors while                          Vice President 
         experiencing positive outcomes in motor skill development.  This document provides the base                
         upon which local school systems design programs to ensure quality physical education                         VII      Jeffery Newman 
         experiences for all Alabama students.                                                                                         President Pro Tem 
                                                                                                                    
         The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that regular physical activity has a            VIII    Wayne Reynolds, EdD 
         positive impact on cognitive skills, attitudes, and academics, which are important for improving            
         academic outcomes. Physical activity enhances concentration and attention and improves 
         classroom behavior.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                     
         With a strong foundation provided by this course of study, we continue to build a relationship              
         between physical education, arts, literacy and other content areas to ensure every child has a well-        
         rounded education. Our ultimate goal is to create life-long healthy learners.                                                  State Superintendent 
                                                                                                                                           Eric G. Mackey 
         Eric G. Mackey                                                                                                            Secretary and Executive Officer 
         State Superintendent of Education 
                                                           
                                                                   Alabama Course of Study: Physical Education                                                                       ii 
                                                                                                   
                
                                                                                                         
                                                             Alabama Course of Study:  Physical Education 
                                                                                           Table of Contents 
               Preface ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ v 
               Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 
               General Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………4 
               Synopsis of Laws, Regulations, and Resolutions Relating to Physical Education .................................................................................................................... 6 
               Conceptual Framework Graphic ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 
               Position Statements .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10 
               Anchor Standards for K-12 Physical Education....................................................................................................................................................................... 18 
               Grades K-5 Overview .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19 
               Grades K-5 Standards .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21 
               Grades 6-8 Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34 
                   Grades 6-8 Standards……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..36 
               Grades 9-12 Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 47 
                   Beginning Kinesiology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...49 
                   High School Physical Education Elective Courses .............................................................................................................................................................. 56 
               Appendix A:  Curriculum Development/Design……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...73 
               Appendix B:  Designing and Planning Scope and Sequence…………………………………………………………………………………………………74 
               Appendix C:  Indicators of Effective Physical Education Instruction………………………………………………………………………………………..75 
               Appendix D:  Instructionally Appropriate Activities…………………………………………………………………………………………………………77 
               Appendix E:  Assessment Sample Grading Rubric………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………78 
               Appendix F:  Rate of Perceived Exertion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….79 
               Appendix G:  Kinesiology Courses Pacing Guide……………………………………………………………………………………………………………80 
               Appendix H:  Weekly Lesson Plan Template………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...81 
                                                                       Alabama Course of Study: Physical Education                                                                             iii