Marking Our Flags: Introducing the New 2024 National Physical Education Standards

Abstract

For nearly three years, a task force with diverse professional backgrounds convened to update the National Physical Education Standards with consideration of the various stakeholders who will be impacted by these changes—most especially students. The previous iteration of the National Standards has been the foundation for the implementation of best practices for more than ten years, with the hope that every child will have a quality physical education experience. However, the circumstances, culture, and politics surrounding K-12 schooling—exemplified by challenges like COVID-19—have necessitated the development of new National Standards. As such, this article aims to present an overview of the new standards, outlining the changes and highlighting new features, including the move from five to four standards, the reconceptualization of physical literacy, and the shift to grade-span learning indicators with learning progressions. The article concludes with insight into how practitioners can effectively implement the standards while maintaining their commitment to a holistic approach to physical education.