The goal of physical education is to develop healthy, responsible students who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work together in groups, think critically, and participate in a variety of activities that lead to a lifelong healthy lifestyle. Research tells us that students who are physically active for 60 minutes a day have higher self-confidence and more active synapses in the brain, experience a decrease in chronic illnesses, and are less likely to be absent from school. Such students are ready for career and college success. Time given to physical activity in school must not only be incorporated, but also be of the highest quality.

The Physical Education Core utilizes appropriate instructional practices to develop competence and confidence in a variety of lifetime activities and movement forms, including sports, dance, outdoor recreation, and physical fitness. The emphasis is on providing success and enjoyment for all students. Knowledge of the relationship between proper nutrition and a consistent fitness regimen is the common thread running through the core. Students develop life skills through cooperative and competitive activity participation, and learn the value of a physically active life.

Physical Education Strands and Standards Public Comment Process

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) invites educators, parents, higher education representatives, community stakeholders, and members of the public to review and provide feedback on P-12 Draft Physical Education Strands and Standards. Click on the flyer below to learn more.

Teacher Spotlight

Please nominate a teacher, or yourself, who is using innovative and exciting methods to engage students in health and physical education. Each month a teacher will be chosen as the Spotlight and be featured in the monthly Health and Physical Education Newsletter. Fill in the Teacher Spotlight for Health and Physical Education (Google Docs) to complete the nomination.