Students will experience significant physical, intellectual, and emotional growth and development during their high school years. A high-quality physical
education program will help them to manage these changes and establish a healthy lifestyle as adults.
Beginning Kinesiology, a required one-credit course reinforces physical education concepts and skills learned in Grades K-8 by providing students with
further knowledge and skills to construct and implement a lifelong plan for physical activity. It is recommended that it be taken in Grade 9.
After
completing Beginning Kinesiology, students will be equipped to sustain healthy, active lifestyles and to engage in fitness-oriented, self-selected lifetime
sports which are both enjoyable and meaningful. Students can also expand their capabilities for independent learning that produces sound decision-making, which will support future participation in health-enhancing fitness activities.
Beginning Kinesiology empowers students to become physically active adults, providing them with a framework for a lifetime of healthy living. Students who
successfully complete Beginning Kinesiology fulfill the one-year credit requirement for the Alabama High School Diploma.
Schools may offer elective courses to provide further development of knowledge and skills. Electives in the physical education curriculum may include
Advanced Kinesiology, Adventure and Cooperative Activities, Strength and Conditioning, Lifetime Sports (Dual, Individual, and Team), and Sports
Officiating.
Beginning Kinesiology is the prerequisite for all electives.
By the completion of high school, the learner will be able to plan and implement different types of personal fitness programs; demonstrate competency in two
or more lifetime activities; describe key concepts associated with successful participation in physical activity; model responsible behavior while engaged in
physical activity; and engage in physical activities that meet the need for self-expression, challenge, social interaction, and enjoyment.
The Alabama State Department of Education does not allow students to repeat standards in any grade level and/or subject, including physical education.
Students may not repeat any course standards in physical education, including electives; therefore students who have completed Beginning Kinesiology or any
physical education elective may not be scheduled into the same class period where the previous earned course credit is being taught.
All high school physical education courses have two levels of learning. Level 1 indicates the minimum knowledge and skills that students must attain. Level
2 provides the student an opportunity to build on Level 1 competencies by augmenting knowledge and skills considered desirable for lifelong health and
wellness.
