Highlights
CPE courses (classes), based on physical education standards (physical literacy) and fitness education benchmarks, use text materials and classroom sessions to teach kinesiology concepts, principles, and self-management skills.
CPE is a mature innovation at the college level and is now widely used in secondary schools.
CPE works. Evidence shows that it promotes out-of-school physical activity and builds knowledge and motivation to be active. Knowledge gained in CPE is central to achieving physical literacy.
A well-delivered CPE course can provide a strong foundation for elective and advanced physical education classes.
Simply put, if secondary physical education is to thrive in the future, we can and should make knowledge-based CPE programs a central component.
CPE can help physical education achieve its potential for becoming a renaissance profession in the 21st century (as per Park's prediction).