Physical Education
Physical Education is an integral part of total education of a child. It is the cornerstone in developing an active lifestyle, providing opportunities to guide young people in the process of becoming physically active for a lifetime. Quality physical education programs increase the physical competence, health-related fitness, self-responsibility, and enjoyment of physical activity for young people and includes the following: skill development, regular healthful physical activity, improved physical fitness, support for other subject areas, self-discipline, improved judgment, stress reduction, strengthened peer relations, improved self-confidence and self-esteem, and goal setting. The Kansas 2018 PE Curricular Standards as well as the Kansas Physical Education Student Competencies serve as guidance to help schools achieve this goal.
Physical Education (PE) is an important part of learning in Kansas. It helps students build strong bodies, healthy habits, and social skills. PE classes teach movement skills, fitness, teamwork, and responsible behavior. Students learn why staying active matters for health and well-being, and they practice activities that can be enjoyed for life.
Kansas PE standards focus on six areas:
- Learning movement skills
- Understanding how to use them
- Staying active
- Improving fitness
- Showing respect and safety
- Valuing physical activity
These lessons prepare students to lead healthy, active lives in and out of school.
PE Standards and Competencies
Originally found in the standards document as “student indicators” the competencies directly address student expectations and growth.
The PE standards, they were reviewed and converted into Competencies in 2025.
- 2018 PE Curricular Standards (PDF) Document available upon request.
Resources
PE Kansas is a web-based curriculum tool is a free and valuable asset for physical educators across Kansas, made possible through funding from the Kansas Health Foundation. Some of the key features include:
- Creating lesson plans (warm-ups, activities, national standards, equipment, safety considerations, modifications, and assessments).
- Storing lesson plans for future use and record keeping (pdf and Word options).
- Sharing valuable educational resources.
For more information, visit PE Kansas. [external website]
The School Counseling/SECD/PE Standards Alignment Toolkit supports districts and educators in intentionally aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment to the Kansas Social, Emotional, and Character Development (SECD) Standards to promote coherent, schoolwide social-emotional learning and positive student outcomes.
- School Counseling/SECD/PE Standards Alignment Toolkit document (PDF) Document available upon request.
