Physical Education

At a glance

  • Physical education, as an academic subject, is a planned, K–12 curriculum based on national standards.
  • Physical education provides students with the confidence to be physically active for a lifetime.
  • Physical education develops motor skills and provides a number of additional benefits.
group of students exercising with a teacher in the gym

Overview

Physical education is an academic subject characterized by a planned, sequential K–12 curriculum (course of study). It is based on national standards.

Physical education provides cognitive content and instruction. It is designed to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for physical activity and physical fitness. Helping schools establish daily physical education can offer students the ability and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime.

Physical education enables students to:

  • Increase their level of physical activity.
  • Improve their grades and standardized test scores.
  • Stay on-task in the classroom.

Increased time spent in physical education does not negatively affect students’ academic achievement.

Physical education data and policy

The data brief Strengthen Physical Education in Schools—developed by Springboard to Active Schools along with CDC—can help by:

  • Defining physical education.
  • Providing a snapshot of current physical education practices in the United States.
  • Highlighting ways to improve physical education through national guidance and practical strategies.

Physical education attendance: YRBS 1991–2013

The Secular Changes in Physical Education Attendance Among U.S. High School Students report explains the secular changes (long-term trends) in physical education attendance among U.S. high school students over the past two decades. The report is based on findings from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Between 1991 and 2013, U.S. high school students’ participation in school-based physical education classes remained stable. However, participation was much lower than the national recommendation for daily physical education. To maximize the benefits of physical education, schools should focus on adopting policies and programs aimed at increasing physical education participation. Download the report for detailed nationwide findings.

Physical Education Analysis Tool (PECAT)

The Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT) is a self-assessment and planning guide developed by CDC. It is designed to help school districts and schools conduct complete, consistent analyses of physical education curricula. PECAT is based upon national physical education standards.

Visit our PECAT page to learn more about how schools can use this tool.

Resources

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Content Source:
Division of Adolescent and School Health; National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School health guidelines to promote healthy eating and physical activity. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2011;60(RR-5):1–76.
  • Institute of Medicine. Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School. National Academies Press; 2013. Accessed September 25, 2024. http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=18314&page=R1
  • SHAPE America. The Essential Components of Physical Education. 2015. Accessed September 25, 2024. https://www.shapeamerica.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/uploads/pdfs/TheEssentialComponentsOfPhysicalEducation.pdf
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2010. Accessed September 25, 2024.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health and Academic Achievement. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2014. Accessed September 25, 2024. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/25627
  • Michael SL, Merlo CL, Basch CE, Wentzel KR, Wechsler H. Critical connections: health and academics. J Sch Health. 2015;85(11):740–758.