The standards have been revised by the Indiana Department of Education to serve as a resource to guide schools and teachers in the development of sound instructional practices, curriculum, and assessment. The Indiana standards are based upon seven national standards from the National Association of Sport and Physical Education document. Skill development and development of physical fitness are often the primary program emphasis in K-12 physical education. Historically, these two purposes have been separate focal points where programs only emphasized one or the other. In our new standards, more emphasis is being placed on the critical importance of both.
Efforts are underway across the country to integrate skill and fitness instruction.
Technology in Physical Education - Regarding new developments in physical education curriculum, technology has become an important component as heart rate monitors are being utilized by many physical education teachers to assess children's fitness levels. The use of computers to track student performance and to collect data, the development of physical education web sites, and student portfolios are just a few other technology-related activities being used. Equalizer Equipment - Another exciting aspect of the physical education program is the inclusion of the Equalizer, a piece of equipment designed for students with physical disabilities created by Dan Raubuck and Bruce Lautenschlager. Dan and Bruce, faculty members at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, have created this piece of equipment that affords special education students more participation and flexibility in physical education activities. Dan and Bruce have donated four Equalizers to the corporation that will be located at Woodrow Wilson Middle School.