A sidebar lists sources of information. The vast majority of research shows that most physical education programs are poorly run and in need of immediate and dramatic change. At the elementary level, it has been estimated that in many states as much as 80 percent of the PE is provided by classroom teachers rather than PE specialists. Classroom teachers lack the knowledge to plan and implement PE effectively. Teachers with inadequate preparation can place children at risk of injury.
Liability becomes a very real concern.
In secondary schools, the curriculum is typically dominated by a narrow selection of team sports, such as basketball, softball, and volleyball. It doesn't have to be this way. These standards are the cornerstone of a quality PE program and should be used to design the K-12 curriculum. A quality PE program should be taught by a licensed PE teacher who has obtained a four-year degree in physical education and passed appropriate state tests for licensure. In August 1995, a young Arkansas football player died as a result of heat exhaustion suffered on the first day of football practice.