What to Look for in a Physical Education Class, Melinda Smith, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Administration Building
Plano ISD Physical Education
“Reaching one child at a time with a lifetime of healthy habits!”
“As we climb the obstacles of inactivity in youth today, we as educators, find ways to maximize participation and strive
toward total wellness of our students.”
All physical education programs address the knowledge of physical activity, cover movement skills, help with social
development, contribute to physical activity, and cover health concepts as it relates to physical performance.
MVPA (Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity)
Physical activity means movement of the body that uses energy. For health
benefits, physical activity should be moderate or vigorous adding up to at least
30 minutes a day.
Moderate physical activity means you are exercising but not pushing or exerting
yourself. Your heart is beating, breathing increases, but you won’t break a
sweat. Brisk walking, hiking, riding a bike on level terrain and shooting a few
baskets are examples of moderate physical activity.
Vigorous physical activity means your heart is beating fast, there is a large increase in breathing (conversation is difficult or broken)
and you sweat. Jogging or running, riding your bike uphill and playing a high speed game of basketball are examples of vigorous
physical activity.
Krull, Sharon, Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity, October 9 8, 2008, February 06, 2012
Elementary Program
At the elementary level you will see students moving. Students should be active between 70-90% of class time. Students should be
active at a moderate to vigorous level for at least 50% of class time. Using pedometers and heart rate monitors helps measure student
activity levels. Teachers are required to teach a variety of activities and address all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for each
grade level. You should see units of instruction which include:
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Spatial Awareness
Safety
Chasing, Fleeing, Dodging
Locomotor Skills
Rhythms
Conditioning/Fitness
Throwing and Catching
Striking and Volleying
Kicking and Punting
Balance and Rolling
What to Look for in a Physical Education Class, Melinda Smith, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Administration Building
Middle School Program
At the middle school level you will also see students moving. Students should be active between 70-90% of class time. Students should
be active at a moderate to vigorous level for at least 50% of class time. Using pedometers and heart rate monitors helps measure
student activity levels. Teachers are required to teach a variety of activities and address all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for
each grade level. You should see units of instruction which include activities from the following areas:
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Foundations of Personal Fitness
Aerobic Activities
Adventure/Outdoor Activities
Individual Sports
Team Sports
Activities you might see will be: Goal Setting, Developing a Personal Fitness Program, Power Walking, Aerobic Dance, Jump Rope,
Archery, Fishing, Boating, Badminton, Table Tennis, Bowling, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Tennis, and Weight Training.
High School Program
At the high school level students choose which
path to follow. In Physical Education, students
acquire the knowledge and skills for movement
that provide the foundation for enjoyment,
continued social development through physical
activity, and access to a physically-active lifestyle.
The student exhibits a physically-active lifestyle
and understands the relationship between
physical activity and health throughout the
lifespan.
High School Health
THIS COURSE IS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION. This course in health education is required of all students in grades nine through
twelve. In Health I, students develop skills that will help them to become health-literate adults. Students gain a deeper understanding
of the knowledge and behaviors they use to safeguard their health, particularly pertaining to health risks. Students are taught how to
access accurate information that they can use to promote health for themselves and others in such areas as fitness, nutrition,
mental/emotional health, substance abuse, and interpersonal relationships. Students use problem-solving, research, goal-setting, and
communication skills to protect their health and that of the community.
What to Look for in a Physical Education Class, Melinda Smith, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Administration Building
High School Course Offerings include:
Adventure/Outdoor Activities- Students, enrolled in adventure/outdoor education, are expected to develop competency in
Adventure/Outdoor Education activities that provide opportunities for enjoyment and challenge. Emphasis is placed upon student
selection of activities that also promote a respect for the environment and that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Adventure/Outdoor
Education includes activities such as archery, backpacking, camping, cycling, hiking, fishing, martial arts, orienteering, rollerblading, or
new games. Knowledge of The National Parks Association, Endangered Species Information, Boating Safety and Hunting Safety are a
part of the curriculum. Recreational pursuits include field experiences, navigation, water recreation, and recreational shooting.
Aerobic Activities- Students enrolled in Aerobic Activities are exposed to a variety of activities that promote health-related fitness. A
major expectation of this course is for the student to design a personal fitness program that uses aerobic activities as a foundation.
Aerobic Activities include activities such as aerobic dance, cycling, jogging, jump rope, new games, power walking, recreational dance,
self-defense, step aerobics, and weight training. Students enrolled in Aerobic Activities could experience activity levels of moderate to
high intensity.
Foundations of Personal Fitness- Students enrolled in Foundations of Personal Fitness will strive for lifetime personal fitness with an
emphasis on the health-related components of physical fitness. Knowledge and skills taught in this course include teaching students
about the process of becoming fit as well as achieving some degree of fitness within the class. The concepts of wellness and how to
reach an optimal level of health are the cornerstones of this course. Students will design their own personal fitness program as one of
the objectives of the class. Students enrolled in Foundations of Personal Fitness could experience activity levels of moderate to high
intensity.
Individual Sports- Students enrolled in Individual Sports are expected to participate in a wide range of individual sports that can be
pursued for a lifetime. The continued development of health-related fitness and the selection of Individual sport activities that are
enjoyable is a major objective of this course. Students will have the opportunity to participate in and develop more advanced skills in
individual sports. Individual Sports include activities such as archery, badminton, bicycling, bowling, golf, gymnastics, handball, new
games as developed, pickle ball, self-defense, table tennis, tennis, track and field, and weight training. Students enrolled in Individual
Sports could experience activity levels of moderate to high intensity.
Partners Physical Education- Students enrolled in this course assist Special Education Services students in a variety of physical
education activities. Students enrolled in this course will be working with special needs students.
Team Sport Officiating- Students enrolled in the Team Sport Officiating Course will learn rules and regulations of selected team
sports. While working with coaches, players, other officials and parents, students will develop skills in the area of communication,
decision-making, and conflict management needed to officiate team sport competitions. Students will develop a personal fitness and
injury prevention plan that directly relates to the needs of an official. Students will understand and apply time management skills
required and recognize legal rights and responsibilities of an official involved with youth sports in the 21 st century. Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and basic first aid skills will be taught in class. Students will be
certified in CPR/AED first aid and receive an officiating certificate upon successful completion of course.
Team Sports- Students enrolled in Team Sports are expected to develop health-related fitness and an appreciation for teamwork and
fair play. Students will have the opportunity to participate in and develop more advanced skills in team sports. Team sports include
activities such as basketball, field hockey, flag football, floor hockey, kickball, lacrosse, new games as developed, soccer, softball, team
handball, Ultimate Frisbee and volleyball.
Weight Training- Students enrolled in this course will be taught correct lifting form. Students will establish a personal program to
include circuit training and/or individualized training programs. Aerobic fitness training will be incorporated into the course.
For additional information concerning Physical Education please contact:
Melinda Smith
Coordinator for 6-12 Health, k-12 Physical Education, Coordinated School Health, and Fitnessgram
2700 W. 15th Street, Plano 75075
469-752-8051, melinda.smith@pisd.edu
What to Look for in a Physical Education Class, Melinda Smith, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Administration Building
Additional Information for Physical Education
“No Child Left on Their Behind”
Recent legislation has challenged our programs to get our students “up and “active” with moderate to vigorous levels of physical
activity. Our department adopted “Up and Active” as our theme. Some examples of how our staff has increased the activity level and
expanded our content:
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Refine instant activity, when the students enter the gym, they should be active from the start of class
Use small sided games, such as 3 on 3 instead of 11 on 11 while playing activities in class
Place equipment in every students hands during instruction of a new skill
Provide maximum participation, little or no waiting in line for their turn and no elimination games
Continue to provide productive and appropriate motor skill learning experiences
Increase concept knowledge
Enhance instruction on health-related fitness
Continue to teach students to have self responsibility and improve their social skills
Continue to teach students the value physical activity
The general wellness of all students shall be promoted through:
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Nutrition Education
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Physical Activity
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School Based Activities
Coordinated School Health- Plano ISD is one of only two districts in the State of Texas that has a District written and Texas
Education Agency approved coordinated school health program. This program is called: Healthy in Plano or “HIP”.
The health curriculum includes an active, challenging, and student-centered environment. Written by master teachers, the
curriculum provides rich health content and is naturally interconnected to real life situations
It offers students numerous opportunities to read, write, solve problems, and to access,
synthesize, and use information. In health education, students acquire the health information
and skills necessary to become healthy adults and learn about behaviors in which they should
and should not participate.
Elementary Program
Health instruction is delivered during students integrated curriculum block in the classroom and physical education during class time.
The curriculum covers 4th different themes- one each nine weeks. The themes are: Stay Safe, My Body, Nutrition and Wellness.
Middle School Program
Health instruction is delivered during the student’s semester in physical education. There are 6th, 7th and 8th grade lessons for health
instruction. Physical Education lessons are delivered during physical education class time. Themes include: Health, Wellness and
Fitness, Decisions, Growth and Development, Self Esteem and Body Image, Nutrition, Mental Health and Stress, Your Body Systems,
Diseases and Disorders, Substance Abuse and Personal Safety.
Campus Wellness Teams include: Parents, Students, Physical Education Teachers, Classroom Teachers, Administrators, Counselors,
Food and Nutritional Services Manager. Campus wellness teams establish wellness goals based on the campus needs.
What to Look for in a Physical Education Class, Melinda Smith, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Administration Building
Rotation Equipment- Over 100 different equipment packages available for check out to enhance lessons. Examples include: Action
Based Learning, Ages Golf, Badminton, Balance & Core Stability, Archery, Bocce, Bowling, Box Hockey, CatEye Game Bike, Core
Conditioning Pack, Speed "Cup" Stacking, Dance Dance Revolution, Field and Floor Hockey, Frisbee Golf, Juggling, Lacrosse,
Orienteering, Soccer, Speedminton, Table Tennis, Team Handball, Tennis, and Exergaming.
The Heart Adventure Challenge Course is on the rotation equipment and travels to each elementary school. The Heart Adventure
Challenge Course is a fantastic journey allowing children to move through the four chambers of the heart in a larger-than-life setting.
This specially designed fitness course encompasses more than just physical activity; it is a science lesson on the move where students
acquire a general understanding of the heart, as well as the importance of exercise, in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A pedometer or step counter is a device, in modern times usually portable and electronic or electromechanical, that counts each step
a person takes by detecting the motion of the person's hips. We currently have class sets of pedometers on every campus. The
elementary pedometer counts steps only. The secondary pedometer counts steps, time and calories expended. Currently we have
pedometers on some campuses that measures MVPA.
Heart Rate Monitors allow teachers to objectively assess student and class performance while safely motivating students with instant
feedback on a daily basis. Heart rate monitors also provide teachers with a reliable way to ensure that all students are exercising at the
right intensity because time spent in the target heart rate zone is recorded. Incorporating heart rate monitors into New PE programs
enable teachers to get all students involved, regardless of athletic ability. Every elementary and secondary campus has class sets of
heart rate monitors.
Fitnessgram is a fitness assessment and reporting program for youth, first developed in 1982 by The Cooper Institute. The assessment
includes a variety of health-related physical fitness tests that are used to determine students' overall physical fitness and suggest areas
for improvement when appropriate. Plano ISD administers the Fitnessgram test to 3rd -12th grade students during physical education
class. Fitnessgram reports are required to be sent home in the 4th and the 7th grade. High school students are tested in any area that
provides physical education credit. A parental report can be requested by the parent to the principal of the campus.
Action Based Learning is based on brain research that supports the link of movement and physical activity to increased academic
performance. Brain science strongly supports the link of movement to learning. The brain and body’s movement and learning systems
are interdependent and interactive. For example, motor development provides the framework that the brain uses to sequence the
patterns needed for academic concepts. Action based learning labs travel to campus through the rotation system.
Exergaming is a term used for video games that are also a form of exercise. The genre has been credited with upending the
stereotype of gaming as a sedentary activity, and promoting an active lifestyle. The District currently has Wii’s, Dance Dance
Revolution, GameBikes, Xbox Kinect, PS3 Move, and Jackie Chan available to campuses.
Extra Innings- Campuses participate in a variety of additional outside activities. We have included these events in our curriculum. The
include Adventure Camp Curriculum, Marathon Kids, Speed Stacks, Rock and Bowl Tournament, District Hoop Shoot and Play 60, and
the Healthy Zone School Program.
Physical education and health prepares our students for “lifetime readiness”.