PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical education subscribes to the widely accepted concept of the unity of mind and body which is formulated upon sound physiological, psychological, and sociological principles. The primary aim of physical education is to maximize opportunities for attaining motor skills, physical fitness, knowledges, understandings and values through participation in movement experiences and application of movement principles.

Optimum growth and development of each individual are facilitated through sequential, guided instruction and participation in sports and games, rhythms, and individual activities presented in a balanced manner leading toward the fulfillment of those physical, emotional and social needs acceptable in today's society.

Physical education provides opportunities for self-realization and improved human relations. Through appropriate physical education programs, students are able to fully realize their personal capabilities as moving beings and thus develop a positive and accurate self-image. Students also learn how to interact in group situations in a socially acceptable manner.

The physical educator must create an environment that stimulates selected movement experiences, resulting in desirable responses that contribute to the optimal development of the individual's potentialities in all phases of life. If a physical education program is to be effective, it must increase subject matter approach tendencies, i.e., it must increase tendencies and abilities to participate in motor activities.

The required physical education courses consist of one year each in grades 7-9 and 10-12. Each course provides a planned, sequential program which aids in the progressive development of each individual's psychomotor skills and movement understandings, lifetime fitness/wellness knowledges and skills, and values. These are accomplished through participation in movement experiences and application of movement principles found in team sports, individual/dual sports, fitness/wellness activities, dance/rhythms, gymnastics/tumbling, recreational activities and outdoor adventure activities.

In grades 7-9, particular emphasis should be placed on team sports, fitness/wellness activities, dance/rhythms, and gymnastic/tumbling activities. In grades 10-12, increased emphasis should be placed on individual/dual sports, fitness/wellness activities, recreational activities and outdoor adventure activities. The critical components, as well as many of the goals and objectives, for physical education are the same at both the junior high and senior high levels. However, the activities used to accomplish these goals and objectives and the level of cognitive instruction will vary according to the age of the student. The required physical education courses should be carefully planned and coordinated to provide a progressive instructional program that builds on previous instruction and avoids unnecessary repetition of activities and duplication of instruction.