Belief Statement

The District 68 Physical Education/Health Learning Team believes that all District 68 students should have the opportunity to experience a comprehensive physical education/health curriculum that promotes the physical, emotional and educational development of students. We believe the curriculum should be carefully designed to provide a broad spectrum of experiences for students with clearly developed activities at each grade level that are both developmentally and conceptually appropriate. These activities should be delivered within a culture of wellness where students feel comfortable and are supported by members of the learning community. We believe that a comprehensive physical education/health curriculum is most effective when modeled by all members of the learning community.

A comprehensive physical education/health curriculum:

• provides students with information about how their body systems work and defines the concept of wellness
• reinforces positive, healthy behaviors throughout the school day
• supports students in understanding risk behaviors
• challenges students to think critically about choices
• promotes healthful eating and good nutrition through logical integration of nutrition education in all subject areas
• provides instruction to students regarding emotional well-being
• builds close working relationships with parents, businesses and local health officials
• uses current instructional materials including technological resources
• engages students in authentic tasks that require higher order thinking and problem solving
• is aligned to Illinois Learning Standards and is informed by national recommendations
• interfaces classroom learning with current brain/learning research information
• includes physical education on a daily basis, informed by requirements of state law
• emphasizes self assessment and supports students in developing their own fitness plans
• incorporates team-building experiences
• offers opportunities for students to engage in physical activity before, during and/or after school
• provides current information to parents on their role in promoting healthy eating and opportunities for physical activity at home and during leisure time