Instructional Leadership Toolbox

Under § 22.1-207 of the Code of Virginia, public schools are required to provide regular instruction in health and physical education. This legislation ensures that students receive foundational knowledge and skills to support lifelong wellness.

The Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with health and physical education leaders and teachers, are developing resources  aligned to the 2022 Physical Education Standards of Learning. These resources are designed to help teachers create developmentally sequenced, standards-based instruction across five key strands that are sequenced to align from grade to grade. This structured approach means clearer expectations, consistent progression of skills, and greater opportunities for students to become confident, physically literate individuals who value active lifestyles and understand the movement science behind their activity. Leveraging these resources will enhance instructional quality, engage students in meaningful movement experiences, develop critical thinking skills, and support life-long physical fitness and well-being.

K-12 Physical Education Technical Assistance Guides

The Physical Education Standards of Learning identify concepts, processes, and skills for physical education in kindergarten through grade 10 for Virginia's public schools. These guides provide school divisions and teachers with a way to create   aligned curricula and meaningful learning experiences in physical education. The Physical Education Technical Assistance Guide was developed alongside the standards to include essential understandings, suggested learning targets, sample formative and summative assessments, key vocabulary, and sample activities aligned with each standard.

Physical Education Program Guidelines for Public Elementary and Middle Schools

The 2012 General Assembly approved HB 1092, requiring the Virginia Board of Education to develop physical education program guidelines for public elementary and middle schools to outline the expectations for high-quality, standards-based physical education across Virginia. The  Physical Education Program Guidelines for Public Elementary and Middle Schools  clarifies that physical education is distinct from general physical activity, emphasizing a structured, sequential program that develops lifelong skills for physical fitness and well-being. It highlights the need for qualified teachers, adequate facilities, and instruction aligned with the five strands of the Physical Education Standards of Learning: motor skill development, anatomical basis of movement, fitness planning, social and emotional development, and energy balance. The guidelines ultimately promote equitable, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate instruction that helps students build competence, confidence, and motivation to lead active, healthy lives.

Nutrition & Physical Activity Best Practices Database

This Nutrition & Physical Activity Best Practices Database provides access to best practices in nutrition and physical activity submitted by Virginia school divisions, along with annual Wellness-Related Fitness Reports. Users can explore innovative programs that promote student health and wellness by filtering best practices by school division, functional area, or type of practice, and viewing either summary or detailed reports. Multiple years of Wellness-Related Fitness data are available, with reports accessible by school division or at the state level and can be downloaded in both PDF and Excel formats.

The Governor’s Physical Activity Award Program

The Governor’s Physical Activity Award Program for School Personnel provides a structured approach and recognition for school employees to participate in weekly aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, such as walking, dancing, cycling, sports, and weightlifting. Participants are encouraged to document their activities over a 16-week period and will receive awards based on their level of sustained physical activity.

Completed activity logs must be submitted by June 1 via email at vdoe.physicalactivity@doe.virginia.gov.