(K-12) Contact: Brenda Miller
Ohio’s physical education academic content standards provide clear, rigorous expectations for all students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Physical education is a critical component of a complete education. Beyond the physical benefits, quality physical education has been linked to cognitive, affective and quality of life benefits for students at elementary, middle and high school levels.
The State Board of Education originally adopted National Physical Education Standards in December 2007. Moreover Ohio-made benchmarks and indicators were added in June 2009. Recently, the standards, benchmarks, and indicators were updated to reflect changes in the national standards and feedback provided by Ohio teachers. These updated standards were adopted by the State Board of Education on July 14, 2015. Ohio’s Academic Content Standards in Physical Education are made up of five standards:
Ohio Physical Education Standards
- Standard 1: A physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.
- Standard 2: A physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.
- Standard 3: A physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.
- Standard 4: A physically literate individual exhibits responsible, personal and social behavior that respects self and others.
- Standard 5: A physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.
Please use the link below for more information on the K -12 Physical Education standards:
https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Physical-Education
Ohio Health Education Standards
Ohio law does not permit the State Board of Education to adopt Health Education Standards in Ohio. Ohio law does direct schools and districts to include health education and other related topics at various times throughout its K-12 curriculum. This webpage provides legislative requirements and numerous resources to help support the development of a school’s or district’s health curriculum.
Health Education: Legislation
HB367- Opioid Abuse Prevention
Dating Violence Prevention
CPR and AED
Organ Donation HB438
Health Education: Graduation Requirements
Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3313.603 - Requirements for high school graduation - workforce or college preparatory units states:
- One-half unit of health is required for graduation.
- Furthermore, the legislation requires that the one-half unit shall include instruction in nutrition and the benefits of nutritious foods and physical activity for overall health.
SAVE Students: Health Education
Starting July 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, Ohio law indicates that school districts must include in health education at least one hour (or one standard class period) of evidence-based instruction for students in grades 6-12 in each of the following topics: - Suicide awareness and prevention;
- Safety training and violence prevention; and
- Social inclusion.