Physical Education
Resources for developing quality physical education (PE) programs designed to provide students with knowledge and ability needed to maintain active, healthy lifestyles.Distance Learning and COVID-19 Physical Education Resources
COVID-19 and Physical Education Frequently Asked Questions
Guidance and resources for teachers and families in K–12 schools regarding high quality distance learning (Content Resources tab)State Guidance
Physical Education State Guidance
Information and guidelines for implementing and improving PE programs including content standards and framework, curriculum, materials, and legislation.
Standards and Framework
Physical Education
Physical Education Model Content Standards, Adopted Jan-2005 (PDF; 2MB)
Word version of Physical Education Model Content Standards (DOC)
These standards focus on the content of PE and incorporate the details required to guide the development of consistent, high-quality PE instructional programs aimed at student learning and achievement. Standards provide a comprehensive vision of what students need to know and be able to do at each grade level.
Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools K–12 (2008)
Curriculum frameworks provide guidance to educators, parents, and publishers, to support implementing California content standards.
COVID-19 Youth Health Information Act
Information for public, including charter and private schools, that conduct athletic and physical activities regarding the safe return of pupils to exercise or physical activity after exhibiting signs or symptoms of, or testing positive for COVID-19.
Eric Paredes Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act
Public and private school responsibilities under California Education Code (EC) sections 33479–33479.9 in regards to Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention.
Senate Bill 722, Alex’s Law
A letter from State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, that provides information on the requirements and responsibilities of public school districts and charter schools on pupil safety, swimming pools, adult presence, cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and certification, known as Alex's Law.
California Graduation Requirement
State Minimum Course Requirements
California EC Section 51225.3 has specified a minimum set of courses to meet state requirements to graduate from high school and receive a diploma. The governing boards of local education agencies (LEAs) have the authority to supplement the state minimum requirements at the local level.
Exemptions: High School
Student Exemptions Memo (2008)
The following will provide you with information regarding new requirements related to student exemption.
Physical Education Block Schedule Waiver Guide
A guide to support LEAs during the waiver application process.
Instruction
Physical Education Instructional Resources
Information and sites with resources, informative and classroom-based, relating to physical education.
Guidelines
Physical Education Guidelines for Elementary Schools
The following guidelines are advisory only and utilization or compliance is not required by regulation or the California Department of Education (CDE).
Physical Education Guidelines for Middle & High School
The following guidelines are advisory only and utilization or compliance is not required by regulation or the CDE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about PE.
Curriculum
Curriculum and Instructional Resources
Resources and guidance on selected content areas, and instructional strategies to aid parents, teachers, and other education professionals in helping California’s future leaders learn, grow, and develop.
Instructional Materials
There are no State Board of Education approved kindergarten through grade eight materials in PE.
The following resources also provide information on PE planning and design:
- Guide to School Site Analysis and Development (2000 Edition)
- Educational Specifications: Linking Design of School Facilities to Education Program, 1997
Assessment & Accountability
Information about testing and accountability for PE.
Physical Fitness Testing
Physical Fitness Testing (PFT): FITNESSGRAM®
Information on required physical fitness tests for students in grades five, seven, and nine.
Compliance Monitoring
Federal Program Monitoring
Federal and state laws require the California Department of Education (CDE) to monitor implementation of categorical programs operated by local educational agencies (LEAs). LEAs are responsible for creating and maintaining programs which meet minimum fiscal and programmatic requirements.
Physical Education Monitoring Instrument
Compliance monitoring tool used during reviews.
The California Department of Education Report to the Governor and the Legislature
The reports summarize PE program implementation data that has been collected as a result of Federal Program Monitoring.
External Organizations
Resources
California School Boards Association 
The California School Boards Association provides guidance to districts on establishing policies.
California Interscholastic Federation
The California Interscholastic Federation governs interscholastic athletics, promoting equity, quality, character, and academic development.
National Federation of State High School Associations
Information about the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The NFHS, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities.
Families & Students
Physical Education Resources for Families and Students
Parent/Guardian and Pupil Sudden Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs and Symptoms Information and Acknowledgment Form (PDF)
Each school year, before a pupil participates in an athletic activity governed by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the school shall collect and retain a copy of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest information sheet required by the CIF for that pupil. Before a pupil participates in an athletic activity not governed by the CIF, the pupil and the pupil’s parent or guardian shall sign and return to the pupil’s school an acknowledgment of receipt.
Uniform Complaint Procedures
A complaint is a written and signed statement alleging a violation of federal or state laws or regulations. Some matters lie within the Uniform Complaint Procedures scope such as PE instructional minutes and pupil fees.