The purpose of this Shape of the Nation Report is to provide current information about the status of physical education in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia in the following areas:
- Time requirements
- Exemptions/waivers and substitutions
- Class size
- Standards, curriculum and instruction
- Student assessment and program accountability
- Physical education teacher certification/licensure
- National Board Certification in physical education
- State physical education coordinator requirements
- Body mass index (BMI) collection
This report not only brings attention to the importance of quality, daily physical education programs for all school-age children, it also will provide information that can be used as a basis for expanding and improving physical education programs in those states that need assistance. Quality physical education programs for all of our children are the foundation for healthy, physically active lifestyles as adults. The vision is that every student will become physically educated and thus possess the knowledge, skills and confidence to be physically active and healthy for a lifetime.
