Introduction to the Physical Education Course of Study
Spring, 2001
The purpose of this course of study in physical education is to set for the
instructional goals that students are to achieve by the time they complete
physical education instruction at each grade level. The goals, therefore,
define the instruction that students will receive. In reading the
instructional objectives for each grade, imagine that the words, "The student
will be able to..." precede each objective.
In keeping with current thinking and practice in the field of physical
education, and reflecting the special needs of school age students, this
course of study focuses on developing a broad range of individual and group
sports and activities. Careful attention has been given to the selection and
arrangement of these activities so that they will be presented in an enjoyable
and developmentally appropriate manner. Physical coordination, strength, and
general athletic ability develop through predictable stages as a person moves
from early childhood into late childhood and then into early and late
adolescence. Also, individuals differ very much in their physical ability and
experience. Therefore, the same sports and games are repeated for two or more
years, giving students an opportunity to be introduced to an activity and then
come back to it for additional practice. To facilitate this arrangement, the
objectives in this document are arranged in clusters, with the same activities
and skills being repeated at a higher or more demanding level each time they
are introduced. The clusters used in this course of study are K-2, 3-6, 7-8.
and high school.
Physical Education is a required subject for all students at each grade level,
kindergarten through grade eight. In addition, students must complete a
course in Physical Education during high school. Where necessary, special
adaptations are made for students with handicaps, so that all students can
complete this requirement and gain the benefits of formal instruction in
physical education. Beyond the basic physical education requirement the high
school offers an elective, Strength Training, which is open to both male and
female students. The Strength Training course includes both a textbook
component and extensive practice and experience with weight training equipment
and techniques. The following textbooks have been adopted for use in the
Strength Training course:
Jumping Into Plyometrics: 100 Exercises for Power and Strength. Human
Kinetics, 1998
Strength Training for Young athletes. Human Kinetics, 1993
Training for Speed, Agility, and Quickness: 180 Drills for Athletes.
Human Kinetics 2000
Acknowledgements
Special thanks is extended to Ross teachers and administrators who contributed
to the development of this course of study.
Bob Bean, Paul Fernandez, Fred Hibbs, Peggy Ludwig, Ray Lyttle, David Schnee,
Jeff Spencely, and Sara Young