SHAPE America's National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education define what a student should know and be able to do as result of a highly effective physical education program. States and local school districts across the country use the National Standards to develop or revise existing standards, frameworks and curricula. 

Standard 1: The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

Standard 2: The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.

Standard 3: The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.

Standard 4: The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.

Standard 5: The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.

Approximately 50 million students are currently enrolled in America's elementary and secondary schools (grades Pre-K to 12).

SHAPE America wants to ensure that by the time today's preschoolers graduate from high school in 2029, all of America's students are benefiting from the skills, knowledge, confidence, desire and opportunities to enjoy healthy, meaningful physical activity. 

Moving Ideas Into Action

In your role as a health and/or physical educator, you are uniquely poised to deliver the benefits of living a physically active and healthy life. By coming together as a profession, we can solidify public support for health and physical education as benefiting current and future generations.

This course stresses the prevention of potential health problems in the areas of drugs, diseases, and injuries while promoting good nutrition, physical health, mental health, and consumer health. The program encourages wellness in family life and human sexuality within the context of family and community values. Students gain an awareness of the role of health agencies and public health facilities locally, statewide, and nationally. This course is required for graduation. Parents who wish for their child to be excused from a portion of the course should make that request, in writing, to the building principal.

Our Mission:

To enhance and promote the health and wellness of all the citizens of Maryland, the SHAPE Maryland organization provides advocacy, resources, and professional learning opportunities designed to promote high-quality programs in health and physical education Prek-12 and advance and unify the professions of health education, physical education, and other related partners.​

SHAPE Maryland website

The following are links to common webpages that physical education instructors should access throughout the school year:

• Maryland Public Schools

• SHAPE America

• Play Works

• Heart.org

• Cooper Institute - Fitnessgram

• SHAPE MD

• Fuel Up to Plau 60