Recommendations for Developing and Implementing State-Level Physical Education Accountability Systems in Student Learning

Overview & Synopsis

With the introduction of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, physical education is now considered a part of a "well-rounded education." One of the critical features of ESSA is the growing expectation for states to establish accountability systems that monitor student learning. In 2018, a group of researchers conducted a study to examine the status of state-level accountability systems in physical education. Based on the findings, critical elements for robust accountability systems of student learning were identified. The purpose of this article is to discuss recommendations for policymakers and school leaders to develop and implement robust state-level accountability systems to inform policy, standards, curriculum, instruction, and assessment in physical education. To better advocate for the societal value of physical education, robust accountability systems must become the norm, and student learning should be evident.