The Physical Education department in USD 259 has adopted seven standards that align with the national standards developed by NASPE, the National Sport and Physical Education organization. A committee of teachers within the district developed benchmarks for all grade levels K-9 for each of the seven standards. A benchmark is a skill or level that students are expected to master by the time they complete a particular grade level.

At Mueller, these benchmarks are what we use to develop our physical education curriculum. We will be utilizing the next seven newsletters to try and give you a little better understanding of these standards. If you have any questions regarding your child’s grades in P.E., please don’t hesitate to call or stop by during conference time.

Standard #1-Demonstrates competency in many and proficiency in a few movement forms. This is what P.E. teachers commonly refer to as the Motor Skills standard. On the report card it is referred to as “Performs Motor Skills.” All the basic motor skills that students use to move and be active fall under this standard. The motor skills that we assess at least once during the year are as follows: Catch, kick, strike, volley, throw, dribble/foot, dribble/hand, locomotor skills, long rope, short rope, rhythms, transfer of weight, rolling, balance, jump and land.

For each of these skills, there is a benchmark that states what a child should be able to do at each grade level. For example, a 2nd grader should be able to catch a tossed or bounced object without moving from self space (All of the benchmarks for physical education are listed in the brochure that you will receive at your child’s upcoming conference.) Using the rubric for catching, a teacher will assess each child and determine if he/she has met the expectation or benchmark, exceeded it, or needs improvement.

The new report card does not make it possible to report exactly which skills were assessed each nine weeks. We will be sure and inform you as to which skills we have been teaching. We would like to invite you to come and visit your child’s physical education class any time, and please do not hesitate to call any time you have questions or concerns.

The Physical Education Standard #2 - Understands Learning Concepts, which states that students will be able to apply movement concepts and principles to the learning and development of motor skills. An example of this standard for grade 2 would be---Use appropriate feedback to improve performance. Develop a basic movement vocabulary (space awareness, effort, relationships, loco motor skills, non-manipulative, manipulative) This standard is found on the second row of the report card.

The Physical Education Standard #3 helps students learn and appreciate what a physical active lifestyle means to them. The ultimate goal for students by the 9th grade is to understand the importance of being able to utilize the many resources available to them within their community. At the elementary level the benchmarks center around students being able to identify the difference between healthy and unhealthy activities as well as the benefits they receive from participating in frequent physical activity.

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