Texas Administrative Code
Title 19 - EDUCATION
Part 2 - TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY
Chapter 116 - TEXAS ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Subchapter C - HIGH SCHOOL
Section 116.62 - Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits (One Credit), Adopted 2020

(1) Physical education is the foundation of a well-balanced curriculum. "It is an academic subject with a planned and sequential K-12 curriculum based on the national standards for physical education. Physical education provides cognitive content and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for physical activity and physical fitness. Supporting schools to establish daily physical education can provide students with the ability and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime" (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CDC Healthy Schools, May 2019).

(2) The physical education standards are categorized into five strands that are of equal importance and value. The movement patterns and movement skills strand guides the physically literate student in the development of fundamental movement patterns, spatial and body awareness, and rhythmic activities. The performance strategies strand guides the physically literate student in using strategies in fundamental components of games, activities, and outdoor and recreational pursuits. The health, physical activity, and fitness strand encompasses health-related fitness, environmental awareness, and safety practices that guide students to a health-enhancing, physically active lifestyle. The physically literate student demonstrates skills and mechanics used during physical activity and analyzes data used during fitness performance. The physically literate student recognizes the correlation between nutrition, hydration, and physical activity. The social and emotional health strand incorporates working with others, responding to class expectations, and applying self-management skills. The lifetime wellness strand engages students in physical activity for the purposes of self-expression, enjoyment, and challenge.

(3) Quality physical education programs include a comprehensive curriculum, physical activity, safety policies, safe environments, qualified physical education specialists instructing the class, and student assessment and do not use physical activity as a form of punishment. Texas state law outlines state requirements that support these essential components. In accordance with state law, physical education curriculum and instruction must be sequential, developmentally appropriate, and designed to meet the needs of all students, including students with disabilities, and of all physical ability levels. At least 50% of the physical education class must be used for actual student physical activity at a moderate or vigorous intensity level, which aligns with additional state requirements for a minimum number of minutes for moderate or vigorous physical activity in Kindergarten-Grade 8. Required student-to-teacher ratios of 45-to-1 ensure the proper supervision and safety of students in physical education classes, and school districts must identify how student safety will be maintained if that ratio is exceeded. State law also requires that school districts and charter schools annually assess the physical fitness of students in Grade 3 or higher who are enrolled in a physical education course.

(4) Access to course-appropriate physical education equipment is essential to quality instruction. Course-appropriate equipment for all students is imperative for the development of motor skills, manipulative skills, and eventually becoming a physically literate, lifelong learner. Equipment should include a variety of sizes, weights, and textures to provide differentiated experiences for students of various ability levels.

(5) The Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits course offers current approaches for the foundation of personal fitness, physical literacy, lifetime wellness, and healthy living. Students in Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits will apply the knowledge and skills to demonstrate mastery of the concepts needed to achieve lifetime wellness. Students will participate in a variety of physical activities for attaining personal fitness and lifetime wellness.

(6) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.

(1) Movement patterns and movement skills. While participating in physical activity, the physically literate student applies physiological and biomechanical principles to improve health-related fitness. The student is expected to:

(2) Performance strategies. During physical activity, the physically literate student applies skills, techniques, and safety practices associated with physical activity. The student is expected to:

(3) Health, physical activity, and fitness. The physically literate student applies fitness principles that encompass personal fitness programs, nutrition, technology, and environmental awareness. The student is expected to:

(4) Social and emotional health. During physical activity, the physically literate student develops positive self-management and social skills needed to work independently and with others. The student is expected to:

(5) Lifetime wellness. The physically literate student comprehends practices that will impact daily performance, physical activity, and health throughout the lifespan. The student is expected to: