STANDARDS ADOPTION TOOLKIT
A guide to state adoption and implementation of SHAPE America’s new National Physical Education Standards and National Health Education Standards
Introduction
SHAPE America’s new National Physical Education Standards and National Health Education Standards — released in March 2024 — provide a comprehensive framework for educators to deliver high-quality instruction and make a positive difference in the health and well-being of every student.
For these standards to become required in schools or districts, states must formally adopt or adapt them through a regulatory process.
While SHAPE America led the development process, and the standards reflect broad input from practitioners across the country, the intent is for states to review, adapt and adopt the standards in ways that best meet the needs of their students, educators and educational priorities.
The standards adoption process offers state leaders and educators an opportunity to shape a high-quality, relevant set of expectations for teaching and learning in health and physical education.
The Path to Adoption
Each state follows its own unique process for reviewing and adopting academic standards, guided by statespecific policies, timelines and procedures. In this toolkit, the term adoption refers to the formal approval of a new or revised set of state-level standards by an authorizing body — typically the state board of education. This may involve adopting the national standards in full, making some modifications, or integrating them into existing frameworks to better reflect local priorities.
The steps outlined in the following section represent the most common phases of the standards adoption process, regardless of how much revision a state may require. To learn more about your state’s specific approach and timeline, SHAPE America recommends reaching out to your state department of education’s health and physical education coordinator(s) or curriculum lead(s).
State-Level Standards Adoption or Alignment Process
How State Departments of Education Lead the Process
When a state chooses to adopt or revise its health and physical education standards, the process typically involves multiple phases of review, feedback and approval. While the details vary by state, the steps below outline a common progression. Educator and stakeholder engagement at each phase helps ensure the standards are relevant, inclusive and grounded in best practices.
Common Steps for State Adoption
Approval to initiate a standards review
A state board, department or other governing body approves the process to revise or adopt standards.
Formation of a standards revision committee
Committee members are selected, often including educators, content experts, stakeholders, and agency staff. The opportunity to serve on the committee should be broadly promoted across networks to ensure diverse representation.
Development of draft standards
The committee reviews national standards and other states’ standards that have recently been revised or adopted to learn from their experiences. Then, the committee drafts a new or revised set of standards based on current research, best practices and stakeholder input.
Public release of draft standards for feedback
The draft is shared for public review, often through surveys, town halls or online forums, to ensure all necessary stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input.
Note: This step may occur multiple times to incorporate extensive feedback.
Revision of the draft based on field input
The committee makes adjustments to the draft standards in response to feedback collected through the public review and comment period(s).
Note: This step may also repeat.
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Common Steps for State Adoption
Submission of the final draft for formal review
The updated draft is presented to the appropriate authorizing body (e.g., state board of education) for review and possible revision. Content experts should be given the opportunity to provide written or spoken testimony before the authorizing body.
Formal adoption of the new standards
Upon approval, the final version is officially adopted as the new state standards.
Implementation and rollout
Guidance documents, training and timelines are shared with districts and schools to support implementation of the new state standards. Success stories from early adopters are highlighted.
Key Stakeholder Roles in the State-Level Standards Adoption/Alignment Process
Whether your state is adopting the National Physical Education Standards and National Health Education Standards or revising its own, educators and advocates play a critical role in shaping the future of health and physical education. While each state’s process is unique, there are common opportunities to engage, influence and elevate the importance of skills-based, standards-aligned instruction.
The table below outlines key actions you can take to support alignment with national standards and ensure your professional voice is part of the conversation, no matter your role.
How to Get Involved
Approval to initiate a standards review
Formation of a standards revision committee
Stay informed about policy priorities and listen for early announcements through your state education agency or professional networks.
Apply to serve on the committee or nominate qualified colleagues who represent diverse settings. Promote the opportunity in your networks.
Stay informed about policy priorities and alert members of opportunities to advocate for health and physical education.
Nominate qualified educators; advocate for representation from all regions and contexts. Promote the opportunity in your networks.
Stay informed about opportunities to advocate for health and physical education and encourage future teacher preparation alignment.
Seek appointment as a higher ed representative on the committee or recommend faculty with relevant expertise. Promote the opportunity in your networks.
and Community Members
Stay informed through local school or district channels. Ask how updated standards will support students.
Advocate for parent/caregiver and community voice in standards discussions through local or state groups.
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How to Get Involved (continued)
Common Steps for State Adoption Physical
Development of draft standards
Public release of draft standards for feedback
Contribute expertise and classroom perspective, if on the committee.
Review drafts and provide detailed feedback during public comment periods.
Offer resources and position statements. Facilitate regional input sessions.
Share research and best practices to inform draft development. Contribute expertise and higher ed perspective, if on the committee.
Parents/Caregivers and Community Members
Provide insights on what skills and learning priorities matter to families and communities.
Revision of the draft based on feedback
Submission of the final draft for formal review
Provide specific, constructive feedback. Offer to facilitate a focus group or regional review session.
Share your support or concerns with decision-makers. Provide written or spoken testimony if invited.
Organize or promote opportunities for members to review and provide feedback during public comment periods.
Organize or promote opportunities for faculty and teacher candidates to review and provide feedback during public comment periods.
Coordinate affiliatewide feedback to submit a unified response.
Submit statements of support for recommended revisions.
Offer expert review and support for draft standards.
Participate in surveys or town halls; share the importance of strong standards with other parents/ caregivers. Provide feedback during public comment periods.
Join focus groups and/or continue to share about the value of standards that reflect student needs.
Provide testimony or written support linking standards to educator preparation. Express support at public meetings or through written comments to decision-makers. (continued)
How to Get Involved (continued)
Common Steps for State Adoption
Formal adoption of the new standards
Physical Educators/ Health Educators
Help build momentum by explaining the benefits of the new standards to stakeholders (e.g., district leaders, parent groups).
Support state-level advocacy for new standards adoption.
Implementation and rollout
Inform district leaders of newly adopted state standards. Seek process for your district to adopt and implement updated standards.
Support professional development efforts. Share resources, model lessons or success stories from early adopters.
Align and/or develop curriculum with the new standards.
State Affiliate Members
Celebrate adoption and support communication efforts to the field. Support state-level advocacy for new standards adoption.
Higher Education Faculty
Highlight how new standards align with teacher preparation and student outcomes. Support state-level advocacy for new standards adoption.
Parents/Caregivers and Community Members
Reinforce the value of strong health and physical education standards with other parents/ caregivers. Share resources such as PE Now, Health Ed Now, and Health Education in Schools 101.
Support professional development initiatives; provide resources or webinars for members.
Provide professional development on aligning/developing curriculum with new standards. Provide a SHAPE America standards-based workshop in your state. Assess needs of your membership related to standards implementation.
Update teacher preparation curricula and student teaching experiences to align with new standards.
Contribute meaningful research to the impact of the new standards on student learning.
Support schools by encouraging participation in school-wide wellness and standards-based initiatives.
District-Level Standards Implementation
After state standards are revised, districts are responsible for implementing the standards by aligning instruction, materials and professional development. While each district’s process will vary based on local context, the steps below represent a common progression for successful implementation.
Common Steps for District Implementation
Analyze changes in the standards
Identify how the revised state standards differ from previous versions and determine the scope of updates needed.
Form a district curriculum review team
Assemble a diverse group of educators, specialists, leaders and community members (can include parents/caregivers and other stakeholders) to guide the implementation process.
Conduct a curriculum review and gap analysis
Evaluate current curriculum, instructional materials and assessments to identify where they align with the new standards or need to be updated for alignment.
Select or develop aligned curriculum and resources
Choose, adapt or create curriculum materials and assessments that meet the updated standards and local priorities. This can include resources such as crosswalks, classroom posters and lesson plan templates.
Engage stakeholders and communicate updates
Share plans and progress with educators, families, school boards and community partners to build understanding and support. Consider creating social media posts that teachers and families can share to help increase communication.
Finalize
Analyze feedback from stakeholders to finalize curriculum materials and assessments that meet the updated standards and local priorities. If required, complete the final approval process (e.g., school board approval).
Provide professional development and educator support
Offer ongoing training and resources to ensure educators are prepared to teach to the new standards effectively.
Implement the updated curriculum
Roll out revised curriculum and instructional practices across classrooms, with attention to pacing and support. This can be done in stages, or as a complete rollout of the newly adopted standards.
Monitor progress and support continuous improvement
Collect feedback, review outcomes and make adjustments as needed to strengthen implementation over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Standards and Curriculum
Clarifying the basics of how standards, curriculum and instruction work together in health and physical education.
What are academic standards, and how are they different from curriculum?
Standards define what students should know and be able to do by the end of a course or grade band. Curriculum refers to the specific materials, scope and sequence, and instructional strategies used to meet those standards. Lesson plans are the day-to-day plans teachers use to deliver instruction aligned with both.
Why do health and physical education standards matter?
They provide a foundation for quality instruction that builds the skills students need to lead healthy, active lives. They also help ensure that students are held to the same learning expectations and skill requirements, which supports consistent learning when students transfer from one school to another.
What are the National Physical Education Standards and National Health Education Standards?
They are national frameworks developed to reflect current evidence and best practices in skills-based health and physical education.
What’s the difference between health education and physical education standards?
Health education standards focus on the knowledge and skills students need to make healthy decisions related to areas such as mental health, substance use, nutrition and relationships. Physical education standards focus on developing physical literacy — including movement skills, fitness, and personal and social responsibility in physical activity settings.
Do health and PE standards work together or separately?
They are distinct but complementary academic subject areas. Health education builds knowledge and skills to make health-supporting decisions, while PE promotes movement skills and lifelong physical activity. Together, they support holistic student well-being.
About the National Standards
Exploring the content and purpose of SHAPE America’s national standards for health and physical education.
How are the revised National Physical Education Standards different from traditional PE expectations?
SHAPE America’s new National Physical Education Standards are based on current research and best practices. Some of the most notable changes include the incorporation of a more student-centered approach, the expansion of the term physical literacy to physical literacy journey, the shift from grade-level outcomes to grade-span learning indicators, and the change from five to four standards.
How are the revised National Health Education Standards different from previous versions?
SHAPE America’s new National Health Education Standards reflect current public health research, more inclusive language, and greater emphasis on equity, mental health and health literacy.
There are two organizations with standards for health education in schools. Why should my state adopt the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards?
SHAPE America’s National Health Education Standards are the most widely recognized and adopted preK-12 framework for skills-based health education in the United States. They offer a clear, researchinformed framework focused on developing the essential skills students need to make healthy choices across their lifespan. Unlike content-specific frameworks, the National HE Standards support flexibility in local implementation while ensuring consistency in instructional quality. Widely used across the country, they align with national public health goals and provide a strong foundation for skills-based, developmentally appropriate health education that is inclusive, adaptable and measurable.
How are SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards and National Health Education Standards used alongside other national tools, such as CDC’s Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT) or Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT)?
SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards and National Health Education Standards define what students should know and be able to do, while tools such as CDC’s PECAT and HECAT help schools evaluate and select curriculum that aligns with those standards. Together, they ensure instruction is both skills-based and grounded in best practices.
State-Level Adoption
Understanding how standards are adopted at the state level and how educators can get involved.
Who decides whether to adopt national standards at the state level?
Typically, this decision is made by the state board of education, legislature or department of education, depending on the state. State processes vary: some have a set timeline with rotating standards revisions for all content areas, while others have no formal process or schedule for standards updates or revisions. Research your state’s standards adoption process to inform your advocacy strategy.
Can individual educators influence the state standards process?
Yes, educators can apply to join standards committees, participate in public comment and advocate for adoption through professional networks such as their state SHAPE America affiliate organization. State affiliates have communication networks and can support sharing calls to action, which might include participation in public comment periods and providing testimony to state board of education processes. State affiliates should note that state departments of education can educate, but not advocate, so state affiliate organizations serve a critical role as the advocacy arm of the standards adoption process!
How long does the state standards revision process usually take?
It varies, but most states take 12-24 months from initiating the process to formal adoption.
What happens if a state doesn’t adopt the national standards?
Districts may still use national standards as a resource or framework, but alignment with state expectations is typically required.
District-Level Alignment
Outlining district responsibilities and educator roles once state standards are updated.
What is a district’s role once new state standards are adopted?
Districts are responsible for aligning curriculum, instruction and professional development to meet the updated standards.
How can teachers help ensure a smooth transition to new standards?
They can participate in curriculum reviews, pilot and create new materials, offer feedback, and support professional learning for colleagues.
Implementation and Community Engagement
Highlighting the support available for educators and how families and communities can stay involved.
What kind of support is available for educators who are implementing new standards?
Professional development, model lessons, instructional toolkits and state or national resources are often provided or recommended.
How can families and community members get involved?
They can attend school board meetings, join advisory councils and support instruction aligned with the updated standards. Find additional information in the How to Get Involved table in this toolkit.
Additional Resources
Helpful resources relating to the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards:
f 2024 National Physical Education Standards Educator Kit
f Standards-Based Resources for Physical Educators
f Exclusive Standards-Based Professional Development
Helpful resources relating to the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards:
f 2024 National Health Education Standards Educator Kit
f Standards-Based Resources for Health Education
f Exclusive Standards-Based Professional Development
Read more about SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards and National Health Education Standards:
f Feature Article — New Standards? We’re In: How One of the Country’s Largest School District’s Aligned Its PE Curriculum With SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards
f Feature Article — A View From the Field: Introducing the New 2024 National Physical Education Standards
f Feature Article — Be a Catalyst for Change in YOUR State: Educators Play a Vital Role in Implementing New National Standards
f Standards Spotlight: Ian Burfoot-Rochford, Vermont Agency of Education
f Standards Spotlight: Jason Semanoff, Maryland State Department of Education
f Standards Spotlight: Tierra Webb, Prince George’s County Public Schools
f Standards Spotlight: Catherine Baskin, Prince George’s County Public Schools
SHAPE America — Society of Health and Physical Educators serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States. The organization’s extensive community includes a diverse membership of health and physical educators, as well as advocates, supporters, and 50+ state affiliate organizations.
Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in school-based health education and physical education. SHAPE America’s new National Physical Education Standards and National Health Education Standards — released in 2024 after a multi-year revision process — provide a comprehensive framework for educators to deliver high-quality instruction and make a positive difference in the health and well-being of every student.
Find additional resources at shapeamerica.org