Physical Education

Customized Professional Learning

OCDE offers professional learning and consultation tailored to district, school, and educator needs.

Available areas of support include:

• California PE standards and curriculum alignment
• Instructional planning and lesson design
• Equitable assessment and grading
• Physical Fitness Test and PACER administration
• Inclusive and adapted physical education
• Unified physical education
• Social-emotional learning and restorative practices
• Student engagement, voice, and choice
• Physical literacy and lifelong movement
• Artificial intelligence and technology in PE
• Comprehensive school physical activity
• Program review and continuous improvement
• Support for administrators, coaches, and athletic programs

OCDE Physical Education Network

Virtual meetings for Orange County physical educators, leaders, and partners to connect, exchange resources, and discuss current practices.

• Thursday, September 17, 2026
• Thursday, January 21, 2027
• Thursday, March 25, 2027

Website button: Register for PE Network Meetings
Link needed: OCDE registration page or Zoom registration form

Elevate Coaching. Empower Athletes.

A three-part learning series presented by OCDE in partnership with Rady Children's Health Orange County. The series supports coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers, PE teachers, school nurses, and other professionals serving student-athletes.

Rady Children's Health OC & OCDE Elevate Coaching. Empower Athletes 2026-27

Topics include:

• Concussion education
• Nutrition
• Sleep health
• Mental health and athlete well-being
• Safe and supportive athletic environments

Upcoming sessions:

• November 19, 2026
• January 21, 2027

Register through OCDE

2027 CAHPERD State Conference: Level Up

• February 25–27, 2027
• Town and Country Resort, San Diego

Connect with physical education, health, recreation, dance, adapted PE, and movement professionals from throughout California.

Conference and registration information

2027 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo

• April 7–10, 2027
• Charlotte, North Carolina

The national convention offers professional learning, research, networking, exhibits, and resources for health and physical education professionals. Registration is scheduled to open in September 2026.

Convention information
Registration and housing

California Standards & Guidance

• CDE Physical Education Homepage
• California Physical Education Content Standards
• California Physical Education Framework
• CDE Physical Education Professional Learning and Guidance
• CDE Physical Education Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ page provides state guidance on instructional minutes, grading, exemptions, independent study, environmental conditions, student fees, aquatics, and other frequently raised issues.

Physical Fitness Test & PACER

• CDE Physical Fitness Testing
• California Physical Fitness Testing Overview
• OCDE PACER Administration Resources — link to local materials when posted
• Teacher-Facing PACER Observation Checklist — link to downloadable resource when posted

California's Physical Fitness Test is administered to students in grades 5, 7, and 9. Resources should emphasize safe, equitable, private, and instructionally appropriate assessment practices.

National Standards & Instructional Resources

• SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards
• Resources for Teachers and Administrators
• SHAPE America Teacher's Toolbox
• SHAPE America Professional Learning and Events

Inclusion & Adapted Physical Education

• CDE Special Education Resources
• CDE PE Guidance for Middle and High Schools
• CAHPERD Events and Adapted PE Opportunities

Local OCDE resources could include:

• Inclusive lesson-planning tools
• Adaptation and modification examples
• Universal Design for Learning in PE
• Unified PE resources
• Alternative ways for students to demonstrate learning

Social-Emotional Learning & Student Belonging

• CASEL Framework
• CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL

Schoolwide Physical Activity

• CDC Student Physical Education and Physical Activity
• CDC School and Youth Physical Activity Strategies
• Move Your Way Toolkit for Schools
• Move Your Way Materials for Children and Teens

Professional Organizations

• CAHPERD — California's professional association for health, physical education, recreation, and dance
• SHAPE America — National organization for health and physical education
• California Department of Education: Physical Education
• CASEL — Evidence-based social and emotional learning resources

Stay Connected

The Active Educator shares timely information and practical ideas for Orange County physical educators.

Each issue may include:

• Upcoming professional learning
• State and national updates
• Teacher and program spotlights
• Standards-aligned lesson ideas
• Research and recommended resources
• Inclusive instructional practices
• Wellness, safety, and physical activity guidance