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Grades 6-8 Physical Education Standards 2026

Page history last edited by Virginia Mitchell 3 months ago

Grade 6-8 Physical Education Framework

 

In sixth through eighth grade, instruction will combine motor skills and movement patterns, the knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics, and responsible personal and social behavior. The instruction will focus on how to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness, and the value of physical activity for health, mental health, enjoyment, challenge, and social interaction.

 

Teachers may find their students are below grade level depending on the number of class meetings per week, amount of time per class meeting, consistency of previous instruction, etc. Teachers should evaluate their student's knowledge and abilities and use the standards that best fit their learning needs, while working to move the students to the appropriate grade band standards. 

 

The order of the standards at any grade band is not meant to imply a sequence of topics and should be considered flexible for the organization of any course.

 

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Grade 6-8 Physical Education Standards & Objective Analysis

 


 

Welcome to the Grade 6-8 Physical Education standards! To see the objective analysis for any objective below, click on the blue text or use the navigator bar on the right side of the screen to move to an objective analysis.

 

Physical Literacy Elements (PLE): Recognizes the value of physical activity for challenge, social interaction, enjoyment, and/or personal relevance.

Challenge

PLE.6-12.1 

Recognize and reflect on responding positively to challenges using strategies, seeking help, and choosing appropriate tasks to promote success and continued participation.

Social Interaction

PLE.6-12.2

Demonstrate and reflect on respectful social interaction and support in physical activities through positive communication and teamwork.

Enjoyment, Fun, and Delight

PLE.6-12.3

Explain and reflect on how skilled movement and self-chosen activities promote enjoyment and self-expression for lifelong enjoyment.

Personal Relevance

PLE.6-12.4

Examine and reflect on the connection between physical activity and well-being by understanding its impact on physical health, mental health, and personal goals for a lifetime.

Standard 1: Demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns. 

 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Dance 

Dance 

S1.M1.8.L1

Demonstrate movement sequences within varied dance forms. 

S1.M1.8.L2

Create movement sequences with one or more forms of dance. 

Team Activities: Invasion Games 

Throwing 

S1.M2.8.L1

Throws (underhand or overhand) using a mature pattern with accuracy for distance or force during practice in a dynamic environment. 

S1.M2.8.L2

Throws (underhand or overhand) using a mature pattern with accuracy for distance or force during target games or small-sided game play.

Catching

S1.M3.8.L1

Catches with a mature pattern from a variety of trajectories using different objects in varying practice tasks or in a dynamic environment.

S1.M3.8.L2

Catches using an implement in small-sided or modified game play.

Passing and Receiving

S1.M4.8.L1

Passes and receives with or without an implement using various movements (e.g., agility and speed) with competency in varying practice tasks or in a dynamic environment.

S1.M4.8.L2

Passes and receives to and from a moving target with or without an implement using various movements with competency in small-sided games.

Offensive Skills

S1.M5.8.L1

Executes at least two offensive techniques (e.g., pivots, fakes, jab steps, give & go, or screens) to create open space during varying practice tasks or in a dynamic environment.

S1.M5.8.L2

Applies at least two offensive skill techniques with defensive pressure during small-sided game play.

Dribble/Ball Control/Hands and Feet

S1.M6.8.L1

Dribbles with hand, foot, or implement using a change of speed and direction during varying practice tasks or in a dynamic environment.

S1.M6.8.L2

Dribbles with hand, foot, or implement using a change of speed and direction during small-sided game play.

Shooting on a goal

S1.M7.8.L1

Shoots on a goal with power and accuracy during varying practice tasks or in a dynamic environment.

S1.M7.8.L2

Shoots on a goal with power and accuracy during small-sided game play.

Defensive Skills

S1.M8.8.L1

Demonstrates defensive ready position with weight on balls of feet, arms extended, and eyes on midsection of the offensive player, while moving in all directions without crossing feet.

S1.M8.8.L2

Maintains a defensive ready position while drop stepping (appropriate to the sport) in the direction of the pass during player-to-player practice or in small-sided game play.

Team Activities: Net/Wall/Racket and Fielding/Striking Games

Serving

S1.M9.8.L1

Performs a legal underhand or overhand serve with a mature pattern to a pre-determined target for net/wall/racket games (e.g., badminton, volleyball, or pickleball).

S1.M9.8.L2

Consistently executes a legal underhand or overhand serve with a mature pattern for distance and accuracy for net/wall/racket games (e.g., badminton, volleyball, or pickleball).

Striking

S1.M10.8.L1

Strikes using a mature pattern in a non-dynamic environment for net/wall/racket games (e.g., volleyball, handball, badminton, tennis, pickleball) or fielding/striking games (e.g., baseball, softball, cricket, hockey).

S1.M10.8.L2

Strikes using a mature pattern in a dynamic environment or during small sided net/wall/racket games or fielding/striking games.

Forehand/Backhand/Volley

S1.M11.8.L1

Demonstrates the mature pattern of the forehand/backhand strokes and volley using a short or long implement during varying practice tasks or in a dynamic environment in net games (e.g., paddleball, pickleball, badminton, or tennis).

S1.M11.8.L2

Demonstrates the mature pattern of the forehand/backhand strokes and volley using a short or long implement with power and accuracy in small-sided net games.

Lifetime Activities: Target and Individual Games

Striking (Target Games)

S1.M12.8.L1

Using an implement, accurately strike a stationary object (e.g., croquet, shuffleboard, or golf).

S1.M12.8.L2

Using an implement, strike a stationary object for accuracy, power, and distance.

Lifetime Activities: Individual and Outdoor Pursuits

Individual-Performance/Dual and Indoor/Outdoor Pursuits

S1.M13.8.L1

Demonstrate correct technique for basic skills in at least one self-selected indoor/outdoor pursuit (e.g., archery, juggling, disc golf, fencing, fishing, hiking, jump rope, kayaking, martial arts, rock climbing).

S1.M13.8.L2

Demonstrates correct technique for basic skills in at least two self-selected indoor/outdoor pursuits.

Standard 2: Applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance  

 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Team Activities: Invasion Games

Creating space with movement

S2.M1.8.L1

Describes how to open and close space by combining locomotor movements with movement concepts during various practice tasks or in a dynamic environment.

S2.M1.8.L2

Applies tactics for creating space during small-sided game play.

Creating space with offensive tactics

S2.M2.8.L1

Executes at least one of the following offensive tactics to create open space: moves to create open space on and off the ball; uses a variety of passes, cuts, fakes, and pathways, give and go.

S2.M2.8.L2

Executes at least three of the following offensive tactics to create open space: moves to create open space on and off the ball; uses a variety of passes, cuts, fakes, and pathways, give and go.

Reducing Space by Changing Size and Shape

S2.M3.8.L1

Describes defensive tactics (e.g., denial of pass/catch, anticipating the speed of the object or person) to reduce space or passing angles during various practice tasks or dynamic environments.

S2.M3.8.L2

Applies appropriate defensive tactics to increase turnovers or decrease scoring opportunities during small-sided game play.

Offense/Defense Transitions

S2.M4.8.L1

Recognizes tactics/strategies that make transitions from defense to offense or vice versa more effective (e.g., recovering quickly, communicating with teammates, capitalizing on an advantage).

S2.M4.8.L2

Implements effective transition tactics/strategies into game play situations.

Team Activities: Net/Wall/Racket Games

Creating space through variation for net/wall/racket games

S2.M5.8.L1

Describes how to create open space during various net/wall/racket practice tasks with either a long or short implement by varying force and direction, or by moving the opponent from side to side and/or forward and back.

S2.M5.8.L2

Applies open space strategies during net/wall/racket games with either a long or short implement.

Using tactics and shots

S2.M6.8.L1

Reduces offensive options for opponents by returning to midcourt position and selects an offensive shot based on opponent's location (hit where opponent is not) during various practice tasks or in a dynamic environment.

S2.M6.8.L2

Varies placement, force, and timing of return to prevent anticipation by opponent during small-sided game play.

Lifetime Activities: Fielding/Striking Games

Offensive Strategies for fielding/striking games

S2.M7.8.L1

Differentiates between a variety of shots (e.g., slap and run, bunting, line drive, high arc) to hit into open space.

S2.M7.8.L2

Recognizes various situations (e.g., sacrifice) and when to appropriately implement them into a game situation.

Defensive Strategies

S2.M8.8.L1

Identifies the correct defensive play based on the situation (e.g., number of outs, offensive skill set, score, time in the game/inning).

S2.M8.8.L2

Applies the correct defensive play based on the situation.

Lifetime Activities: Target and Individual-Performance Games

Shot Selection

S2.M9.8.L1

Recognizes how speed, force, and trajectory of the shot are impacted based on location of the object in relation to the target.

S2.M9.8.L2

Selects appropriate shot and/or club based on location of the object in relation to the target in a practice task or dynamic environment.

Lifetime Activities: Outdoor Pursuits

Outdoor Pursuits - Safety

S2.M10.8.L1

Identifies potential factors (e.g., weather, hazardous conditions) influencing appropriate safety decisions.

S2.M10.8.L2

Implements safe protocols in self-selected outdoor pursuits.

Dance

Movement Concepts

S2.M11.8.L1

Describes a variety of movement principles (e.g., tempo, levels, pathways, flow) to dance and rhythmic activities.

S2.M11.8.L2

Applies a variety of movement principles to dance and rhythmic activities.

Standard 3: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.  

 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Physical Activity Knowledge and Engagement

Physical Activity Knowledge

S3.M1.8.L1

Identifies barriers and determines solutions related to maintaining a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle.

S3.M1.8.L2

Applies solutions for reducing identified barriers.

Engages in Physical Activity

S3.M2.8.L1

Engages in physical activity one to two times per week outside of physical education class. Activities can include moderate to vigorous exercise such as walking, jogging, biking, skating, dancing, or swimming; strength and endurance training like bodyweight exercises or resistance training; or participation in lifetime team, individual, or dual sports.

S3.M2.8.L2

Participates in physical activity three or more times a week outside of physical education class.

Fitness and Assessment Knowledge/Application

Fitness Plan

S3.M3.8.L1

Differentiates between moderate to vigorous physical activities in addition to identifying recommended time spent in each of these areas daily.

S3.M3.8.L2

Creates a plan for implementing moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day five times a week.

Fitness Goals

S3.M4.8.L1

Using available technology, sets and monitors a self-selected physical activity goal for aerobic activity and/or muscle and bone strengthening based on current fitness level.

S3.M4.8.L2

Using available technology, adjusts physical activity based on the type of exercise needed for a minimum health standard and/or optimal functioning based on current fitness level.

Fitness Knowledge - Stretching

S3.M5.8.L1

Differentiates between static and dynamic stretches while recognizing correct techniques and methods of stretching.

S3.M5.8.L2

Appropriately applies a variety of static and dynamic stretching techniques for all major muscle groups.

Fitness Knowledge - Fitness Plan

S3.M6.8.L1

Design a health and fitness plan that utilizes each of the health-related fitness components (e.g., cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition).

S3.M6.8.L2

Critique and correct a health and fitness plan that utilizes each of the health-related fitness components.

FITT Principle

S3.M7.8.L1

Describes each component of the FITT principle (frequency, intensity, time, and type) for different types of physical activity (aerobic, muscular fitness, and flexibility).

S3.M7.8.L2

Uses the FITT principle in preparing a personal workout.

Warm up and Cool Down

S3.M8.8.L1

Describes the role of warm-ups and cool downs before and after physical activity.

S3.M8.8.L2

Designs and implements a warm-up and cool down regimen for a self-selected physical activity.

Heart Rate

S3.M9.8.L1

Defines resting heart rate and describes its relationship to aerobic fitness and the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale.

S3.M9.8.L2

Applies the RPE Scale to adjust workout intensity during physical activity.

Muscles

S3.M10.8.L1

Identifies major muscles used in selected physical activities.

S3.M10.8.L2

Explains how opposing muscles interact with one another (e.g., agonist and antagonist) during physical activity.

Assessment and Program Planning

S3.M11.8.L1

Designs and implements a program of remediation for one area of improvement based on the results of health-related fitness assessment.

S3.M11.8.L2

Designs and implements a program of remediation for two or more areas of improvement based on the results of health-related fitness assessment.

Reflection

S3.M12.8.L1

Maintains a physical activity log for at least two weeks and reflects on activity levels as documented in the log.

S3.M12.8.L2

Maintains a physical activity log for at least one month and reflects on activity levels as documented in the log.

Nutrition and Stress Management Knowledge/Application

Nutrition

S3.M13.8.L1

Creates strategies to maintain a balanced diet, including nutritious meals, smart snack choices, and regular water intake.

S3.M13.8.L2

Demonstrates the ability to consistently make balanced choices by planning and maintaining a routine that includes nutritious meals, healthy snacks, and adequate water intake.

Stress Management

S3.M14.8.L1

Identifies effective stress management strategies such as deep breathing, guided visualization, yoga, and aerobic exercise.

S3.M14.8.L2

Demonstrates basic techniques from stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, or deep breathing.

Standard 4: Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others. 

 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Personal Responsibility

 

S4.M1.8.L1

Demonstrates responsibility by showing respect, practicing safety, cooperating, and including others.

S4.M1.8.L2

Reflects on personal responsibilities and takes action to improve physical activity, fitness, mental health, and social well-being.

 

S4.M2.8.L1

Identifies and uses appropriate strategies to self-reinforce positive fitness behaviors, such as positive self-talk.

S4.M2.8.L2

Applies self-reinforcement strategies (e.g., positive self-talk, visualization) in challenging physical activities.

Accepting Feedback and Working with Others

Accepting/Providing Feedback

S4.M3.8.L1

Demonstrates self-responsibility by implementing specific corrective feedback to improve performance using teacher-generated guidelines.

S4.M3.8.L2

Provides encouragement and corrective feedback to peers without prompting from the teacher.

Working Together

S4.M4.8.L1

Identifies cooperation skills by establishing rules and guidelines for resolving conflicts.

S4.M4.8.L2

Demonstrates appropriate response to participants' ethical and unethical behavior during physical activity by using rules and guidelines for resolving conflicts.

Expectations, Etiquette, and Safety

Expectations and Etiquette

S4.M5.8.L1

Identifies expectations and etiquette in a variety of physical activities.

S4.M5.8.L2

Applies expectations and etiquette in a variety of physical activities.

Safety

S4.M6.8.L1

Uses physical activity and fitness equipment appropriately and safely, with the teacher's guidance.

S4.M6.8.L2

Independently uses physical activity and fitness equipment appropriately and identifies specific safety concerns associated with the activity.

 

 

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