Washington State’s Health and Physical Education K-12 Learning Standards Revision: What you Need to Know

Physical EducationDo you know that OPSI has convened a statewide workgroup of 13 health and physical education leaders to make revision recommendations for Washington State’s K-12 health and physical education learning standards?

Do you know that OSPI is mandated by law to periodically review and adopt learning standards that reflect the knowledge and skill our students need for understanding and performance?

I just learned this important revision is in process and is being guided by an outside facilitator, Relevant Strategies in partnership with OPSI’s Health and Physical Education Program, HIV and Sexual Health Education Program and the Governor’s Healthiest Next Generation Initiative.

The first task of the workgroup was to review research and state and national health and PE standards to determine the need for a revision of the existing 2008 Washington State K-12 Health and Physical Education Learning Standards (Essential Academic Learning Requirements, EALRs).The initial review revealed that national health education and national physical education standards can provide a stronger framework. In addition, the release or adoption of a number of other national health, sexuality, physical education, science and early learning standards contribute to current knowledge related to the revision. Therefore, in December 2015, the workgroup recommended to Superintendent Dorn that OSPI adopt both the national health education and national physical education standards; however, modify the outcomes to align with Washington State law and reflect the specificity and rigor of the established 2008 standards (EALRs).

The projected work plan through June 2016 is as follows:

Steps to the process

Source: OSPI Webpage- Health and Physical Education K–12 Learning Standards Revision Process

The revision is currently in the first phase of the overall implementation plan and some tasks have been completed; however, it has four phases continuing through the 2018-19 school year:

  • Phase One: Awareness and capacity building (September 2015-2016)
  • Phase Two: Classroom transitions and leveraging resources (2016-2017)
  • Phase three: Statewide implementation (2017-2018)
  • Phase Four: Assessment and coordination (2018-2019)

A draft of the Health and Physical Education K-12 Learning Standards is ready for public review and comment. OSPI invites YOU, school staff, content experts, parents, youth and other interested parties to share your thoughts on any part of the standards or grade-level outcomes. I plan to take a look at this critical document and make comments. To review and comment click on this link: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2408503/Health-and-PE-Review.

For more information and additional resources:

OSPI workgroup materials, standards changes at a glance, workgroup members, or the implementation timeline: OSPI Health and Physical Education K–12 Learning Standards Revision Process

National Health Education Standards: National Health Education Standards CDC

National Physical Education Standards: National PE standards