SHAPE America National Standards Alignment
SPARK curricula are aligned to the NEW SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards and Grade-Span Learning Indicators — so every lesson connects to a nationally recognized framework for physical literacy.
Official Alignment Document
Society of Health and Physical Educators
NEW SHAPE America Standards and Outcomes Alignment
National Physical Education Standards are used under license from SHAPE America. © 2024, SHAPE America, https://www.shapeamerica.org/. All rights reserved.
Download SHAPE America Alignment (.xlsx)Microsoft Excel spreadsheet — full alignment of SPARK units to all five SHAPE America National Standards across grade spans K–12.
The 5 National Physical Education Standards
SHAPE America's National Standards define what a physically literate individual knows and is able to do as a result of a quality physical education program. SPARK lessons are mapped to each standard and its Grade-Span Learning Indicators.
Motor Skills & Movement Patterns
“The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.”
Example Focus Areas
- Locomotor skills (running, skipping, jumping)
- Non-locomotor skills (balancing, twisting, stretching)
- Manipulative skills (throwing, catching, striking)
- Dance and rhythmic movement patterns
Knowledge & Concepts
“The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance.”
Example Focus Areas
- Movement concepts (space, effort, relationships)
- Biomechanical principles
- Game strategies and tactics
- Skill acquisition and practice
Physical Activity & Fitness
“The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.”
Example Focus Areas
- Health-related fitness components
- Fitness assessment and goal setting
- Lifetime physical activity habits
- Physical activity guidelines and monitoring
Personal & Social Behavior
“The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.”
Example Focus Areas
- Safety practices and etiquette
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Self-management and personal responsibility
- Inclusive and respectful participation
Value of Physical Activity
“The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.”
Example Focus Areas
- Health benefits of regular activity
- Joy and intrinsic motivation in movement
- Physical activity for self-expression
- Social connections through sport and play
Grade-Span Learning Indicators
Each standard includes Grade-Span Learning Indicators that describe developmentally appropriate outcomes at five grade bands: K, 1–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12.
Standards Are Built Into Every SPARK Lesson
SPARK doesn't treat standards as an afterthought. Each unit and lesson is intentionally designed to address specific SHAPE America Standards and their Grade-Span Learning Indicators — so teachers can document alignment without extra work.
The downloadable alignment spreadsheet maps every SPARK program (K–2, 3–6, Middle School, and High School PE) to the relevant standard number and learning indicator, organized by grade span.
This documentation supports curriculum audits, state accreditation reviews, principal walkthroughs, and grant reporting — giving PE teachers the professional backing they need to demonstrate program quality.
Standards Alignment That Works for Teachers
Curriculum Audit Ready
Detailed unit-by-unit alignment maps make responding to district curriculum audits fast and straightforward.
Grant Reporting Support
Document instructional quality for Title IV, ESSA, and PE-specific grants that require standards-based evidence.
Empower Your PE Program
Present professional alignment data to administrators and school boards to demonstrate the academic rigor of PE.
Built-In Lesson Documentation
SPARK lesson plans already reference SHAPE America standards — no additional prep needed to show alignment.
Nationally Recognized Framework
SHAPE America standards are the gold standard in K–12 physical education, recognized in all 50 states.
Track Student Progress
Align formative and summative assessments to specific standards to track growth and report to families.
Explore the Full Standards Library
State Standards Alignment
Find SPARK's alignment document for your specific state's PE standards.
View State AlignmentsAssessment Tools
Standards-based rubrics and checklists to measure student progress.
View Assessment ToolsNeed a Custom Standards Alignment?
Our team can provide tailored alignment documentation for your district, grant application, or accreditation review.