Health & Fitness

Middle school student performing a high jump onto a pad

OSPI adopted new state standards for Health and Fitness in 2016.  The state’s responsibility is to determine learning standards in many curricular areas. Standards are broad statements about what students should know and be able to do. They are required to be taught in public schools. An example of a health standard is “Students will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting skills to enhance health.”

In 2016, school districts were tasked with determining how these standards would be implemented in their district.  Districts, schools and teachers determine grade-level outcomes. Grade-level outcomes (or student learning outcomes) described in the standards are optional for schools and teachers. They give examples of what more specific instruction might look like. An example of a health outcome is “understand germs can cause diseases.” Optional grade-level outcomes on “self-identity” were included in the new health standards as a way to promote understanding and respect for a wide variety of students and families. More and more districts each year are asking how they can support students who identify as lesbian, gay or transgender.

In NSD, we formed a committee of K-12 PE/Health teachers to determine grade level outcomes to meet the state learning standards.  We then got community input on determined outcomes through a series of five evening meetings in the spring of 2017. We brought the feedback to our committee and received approval by the district administration of the determined outcomes in May 2017.

 

Standards

 

Core Instructional Materials

View the complete list of approved Health/PE curriculum.

Sexual Health Curriculum/HIV and AIDS Curriculum

The Washington State law (AIDS Omnibus Bill, RCW 28A.230.070) states, “The life-threatening dangers of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and its prevention shall be taught in the public schools of this state. AIDS prevention education shall be limited to the discussion of the life-threatening dangers of the disease, its spread, and prevention.”

In response to the threat of HIV to our population, the 1988 Washington State Legislature mandated that a program of prevention education be presented to students yearly, beginning with the fifth grade. For our HIV/AIDS prevention education, the Northshore School District adopted the KNOW curriculum developed by OSPI for grades 5-8 and the FLASH curriculum created by the King County Department of Health for grades 9-12. Northshore School District also adopted sexual health lessons from the FLASH curriculum for students in 5th grade through high school. They provide a science-based understanding of the AIDS virus and how it is transmitted. Lessons will be taught by teachers at our schools.

Parent(s) or guardian(s) will receive a 30 day notice from their school with the specific dates the KNOW and FLASH curriculum will be taught in the school. Curriculum materials can be viewed either on the King County and OSPI websites or at a school curriculum preview presentation. By clicking on the links at the bottom of this page, families can access the KNOW and FLASH curriculum online.

In accordance with the AIDS Omnibus Bill, no student may be required to participate in AIDS prevention education when a student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) meet the following two requirements:

 

Pathways

Health and Fitness follows grade-specific content and standards for the pathway.

 

Assessments for Learning

Fitness Testing is completed in Elementary and Secondary using WELNET

  • Spring fitness testing includes the Pacer, Muscular Endurance, Muscular Strength, & Flexibility.
  • Student Reports are emailed home or printed and sent home with final report cards in June.

 

Graduation Requirements

  • 1.0 Credit: Physical Education
  • 0.5 Credit in Life/Fitness
  • 0.5 Credit in Health

Parent Resources

 

Subject Areas