Comprehensive Health and Physical Education in the 21st Century
Health literacy is an integral component of 21st
century education. Healthy students are learners who are “knowledgeable
and productive, [and] also emotionally and physically healthy,
motivated, civically engaged, prepared for work and economic
self-sufficiency, and ready for the world beyond their own borders” (ASCD,
2004). As part of the state’s initiative to prepare students to
function optimally as global citizens and workers, the contemporary view
of health and physical education focuses on taking personal
responsibility for one’s health through an active, healthy lifestyle
that fosters a lifelong commitment to wellness. The mission and vision for comprehensive health and physical education reflects this perspective:
Mission: Knowledge
of health and physical education concepts and skills empowers students
to assume lifelong responsibility to develop physical, social, and
emotional wellness.