2017 Physical Education (PE) Standards, Current

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is pleased to provide Physical Education standards that provide a clear, skills-based, and age-appropriate approach to developing physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of physical activity.

In this document, the standards are arranged by grade level. Pre-kindergarten physical education standards are not included in this document as they are addressed through the District of Columbia Early Learning Standards.

2026 Physical Education (PE) Standards Revision Process

In the 2024-25 school year, OSSE engaged the DC community and external subject matter experts to revise the 2017 DC Physical Education Standards following the release of updated national physical education standards by the Society of Health and Physical Educators, or SHAPE America. Previous versions of the DC Physical Education Standards (2007 and 2017) have reflected SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards as they are the national leader in physical education and their standards considered best practice.

Based on this engagement and following precedent, the draft 2026 Physical Education Standards largely adopt the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards with minor changes to adapt for local context.

Timeline for Standards Revision

• January 2026: Provide overview of PE standards revision process at LEA Leaders meeting.
• February 2026: OSSE presents on PE standards revision process to State Board of Education (SBOE).
• Mid-February 2026: OSSE releases draft standards for public comment.
• April 2026: Review and incorporate public comment feedback.
• May 2026: Present draft standards to SBOE and incorporate SBOE feedback.
• June 2026: Present final standards to SBOE for approval.
• June 2026: Release 2026 DC Physical Education Standards.
• July – August 2026: Promote and share revised standards with LEAs, schools, and physical education teachers.
• School Year 2026-27: Begin implementation of PE standards, with full implementation by School Year 2027-28.

Public Comment

Public comment will open mid-February 2026. Information regarding exact dates for the public comment period, opportunities to participate in feedback sessions, and to provide written feedback will be provided on this page.

Public comment allows the community to provide input on the draft health education standards and physical education standards. OSSE will use input from the public comment period to consider changes to the draft standards before submitting the standards to the State Board of Education for approval.

If you have any questions about the standards revision process or opportunities for feedback, please contact [email protected].

Related Content: Health Education and Physical Education Standards