The Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve, adopted by the State Board of Education on September 11, 2008, is an essential resource for the development, implementation, and evaluation of standards-based physical education programs and instruction to meet the recommendations of the task force. Its adoption reinforces the importance of physical education as a vital component of our students’ educational experience and its contribution to each student’s health and well-being, social development, and readiness to learn.
The framework charges administrators and teachers with instituting standards-based physical education instruction and programs that are effective for every student. Focused on the model content standards and supported by current research, the framework emphasizes student learning with the goal of helping every student adopt a physically active lifestyle. Developed and reviewed by teachers, administrators, and physical education experts, the framework features practical examples and scenarios of student learning to assist teachers in planning instruction. The framework describes the why, when, and how of assessing student learning and presents detailed examples of different types of assessment. It provides guidance on creating a physically and emotionally safe learning environment. Based on the premise that every student can be successful in physical education with good instruction and appropriate resources, the framework also offers suggestions for adaptations to meet the instructional needs of students with disabilities or other challenges to learning.