Physical Education

Physical education is the foundation of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program.^{1, 2} It is an academic subject characterized by a planned, sequential K–12 curriculum (course of study) that is based on the national standards for physical education.^2–4 Physical education provides cognitive content and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for physical activity and physical fitness.^2–4 Supporting schools to establish physical education daily can provide students with the ability and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime.^2–4

There are many benefits of physical education in schools. When students get physical education, they can^5-7:

Increase their level of physical activity.
Improve their grades and standardized test scores.
Stay on-task in the classroom.

Increased time spent in physical education does not negatively affect students’ academic achievement.

Physical Education Data and Policy

Strengthen Physical Education in Schools [PDF – 437 KB]—This data brief defines physical education, provides a snapshot of current physical education practices in the United States, and highlights ways to improve physical education through national guidance and practical strategies and resources. This was developed by Springboard to Active Schools in collaboration with CDC.

Secular Changes in Physical Education Attendance Among U.S. High School Students, YRBS 1991–2013

Secular Changes in Physical Education Attendance Among U.S. High School Students Cover

The Secular Changes in Physical Education Attendance Among U.S. High School Students report [PDF – 3 MB] explains the secular changes (long-term trends) in physical education attendance among US high school students over the past two decades. Between 1991 and 2013, US high school students’ participation in school-based physical education classes remained stable, but at a level much lower than the national recommendation of daily physical education. In order to maximize the benefits of physical education, the adoption of policies and programs aimed at increasing participation in physical education among all US students should be prioritized. Download the report for detailed, nationwide findings.

Physical Education Analysis Tool (PECAT)

The Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT) [PDF – 6 MB] is a self-assessment and planning guide developed by CDC. It is designed to help school districts and schools conduct clear, complete, and consistent analyses of physical education curricula, based upon national physical education standards.

Visit our PECAT page to learn more about how schools can use this tool.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Guide for Developing Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services; 2013.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School health guidelines to promote healthy eating and physical activity. MMWR. 2011;60(RR05):1–76.
Institute of Medicine. Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2013. Retrieved from http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=18314&page=R1.
SHAPE America. The Essential Components of Physical Education. Reston, VA: SHAPE America; 2015. Retrieved from http://www.shapeamerica.org/upload/TheEssentialComponentsOfPhysicalEducation.pdf [PDF – 392 KB].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance. Atlanta, GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services; 2010.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health and Academic Achievement. Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2014.
Michael SL, Merlo C, Basch C, et al. Critical connections: health and academics. Journal of School Health. 2015;85(11):740–758.

Page last reviewed: July 26, 2022

Content source: Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion