Teaching the Middle School Grade-level Outcomes with Standards-based Instruction

This article focuses on the grade-level outcomes to be assessed on middle school (grades 6–8) physical education. Specifically, the article describes how to teach basic tactics and strategies while applying fundamental movement patterns to the various game and movement categories (invasion, net/wall, target, fielding/striking, dance/rhythms, & outdoor pursuits). The emphasis is on teaching for transfer and the application of movement skills and knowledge (National Standard 2), as well as on the establishment of a mastery climate where the emphasis is on individual improvement in small-group activities and deliberate practice tasks. In addition, sample formative assessments are provided related to the grade-level outcomes discussed.