If you don't take care of your body, where will you live?

The mission of the AISD SHAC Physical Education Committee is to review and make recommendations for AISD physical education programs that strive to meet national standards, fulfill state requirements and provide quality physical education. These programs should encourage children to develop lifelong physical activity practices and healthy lifestyle choices and ensure physical education integrates with other components of a coordinated school health program.

Physical education programs are the cornerstone of an active lifestyle for all students. AISD school programs provide the skills, knowledge and attitudes that help students stay active for a lifetime.

The NEW PE is not the same PE from 20 years ago. PE is not about how many pull-ups or push-ups a student can do - or waiting your turn to compete for the best score.

New PE helps students learn how to live healthy and physically active lives.

It teaches students to value physical activity for its positive contributions to their health, emotional and social well-being. AISD PE is based on National Association for Sports and Physical Education (NASPE) best practices.

New PE is more student friendly, helping students create individualized PE activities for different fitness levels. New PE programs teach non-traditional activities like inline skating, pilates, hip hop dance and disk golf. AISD PE programs are TEKS-based.

Questions regarding the physical education programs in the Austin Independent School District may be directed to Michele Rusnak at 512-414-9779

PE Matters!

• Kids who are physically active on a regular basis are less likely to become overweight or obese
• Kids who are obese when they are adolescents have a 70% chance of being obese for the rest of their lives
• Nearly 35% of all Texas kids are overweight or obese
• Kids who have physical activity in the school day have an advantage for learning, which increases student achievement
• Kids who are physically fit have higher self-esteem
• Kids who value physical fitness and healthy lifestyle are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as underage drinking, smoking, illicit drug use and violence

What is AISD doing to improve student fitness?

AISD has developed a quality curriculum based on national standards that help students enjoy a physically-active lifestyle and understand the relationship between physical activity and health through a lifetime.

• Elementary students receive 135 minutes of PE/activity each week (via PE classes and Working Out for Wellness program)
• K-2 students learn basic skills from a stationary position and Grades 3-5 students apply basic skills while moving
• Grades 6-8 students combine learned skills in modified games and how to measure their individual performance and goals
• High school students gain competency in selected physical activities and teaches students about lifetime physical fitness and setting health and wellness goals

What can I do to help?

Become informed about what physical education and activity programs are available in your student's school. Join PTA. Form a Campus Wellness Committee. Use the National Association for Sport and Physical Activity Checklist to assess your school's PE and activity program. Work with your principal, school staff, parents and community to support physical education and activity in your school. There are many free resources to help you.

AISD PE Curriculum Overview
www.austinisd.org/academics/curriculum/subjects/pe/

Texas Education Agency - PE TEKS
www.tea.state.tx.us/curriculum/hpe/

National Association for Sport and Physical Education
www.aahperd.org/naspe/
Standards and Guidelines for K-12 Physical Education
National Association for Sport and Physical Education: School PE Checkup

IS IT PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?

NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES

MAY: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports - www.fitness.gov
National Bike Month - www.bikemonth.com

May 1 - 7: National Physical Education and Sport Week - www.naspeinfo.org
May 6 - 13: National Safe Kids Week - www.safekids.org
May 14 - 20: Running and Fitness Week - www.americanrunning.org
May 15 - 19: Bike to Work Week - www.biketowork.com
May 17: National Employee Health & Fitness Day - www.physicalfitness.org