Early and Middle Childhood/Physical Education
Credential: Early and Middle Childhood/Physical Education
Credentialing Agency: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Renewal Period: 5 years
The Early and Middle Childhood/Physical Education certification is appropriate for teachers of students ages 3-12 who teach physical education programs. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, have a minimum of three years of teaching experience at the early childhood, elementary, middle school, or high school level, and where it is required, hold a state teaching license. Candidates must pass a computer-based assessment and submit three portfolio entries.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Early and Middle Childhood/Physical Education
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite: state teaching license
- Experience: 3 years
- Education: Bachelors
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 5 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
1525 Wilson Blvd.
Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 465-2700
Fax: (703) 465-2715
Contact Page
Credential Pre-requisite REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must possess a valid state teaching or counseling license. Exception: If the candidate is teaching where a license is not required, he/she must have taught in schools recognized and approved to operate by the state.
Education and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Candidates must have a minimum of three years teaching experience at the early childhood, elementary, middle school, or high school level.
Written Exam
Content knowledge is assessed through the completion of approximately 45 selected response items and three constructed response exercises.
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Exercise Science (35%)
- Major muscle groups and functions
- Biomechanical principles
- Effects of physical activity on the human body, and exercise heart rate and recovery heart rate
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Motor Development, Motor Learning, and Movement Forms in Context (35%)
- Progression from beginning to mature motor patterns, including fine and gross motor skills
- Developmentally appropriate movements and progressions
- Critical elements that promote skill acquisition
- Developmentally appropriate scope and sequence of movement forms
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Physical Activity and Wellness; Legal and Safety Issues (30%)
- Health- and skill-related components of physical activity
- FITT Principle guidelines and principles of exercise
- Basic nutrition principles and guidelines
- Comprehensive fitness, including hypokinetic conditions and the effect of behavioral choices on personal wellbeing
- Legal and safety issues, including applicable laws and initiatives related to the successful participation of all students, including students with exceptionalities
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Constructed Response: Exercise Science
- In this exercise, candidates will use their knowledge of health-related fitness components and principles of exercise science to plan a developmentally appropriate physical education activity.
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Constructed Response: Motor Learning and Movement Forms
- In this exercise, candidates will apply their knowledge of motor skills and movement concepts to teaching movement patterns associated with a physical activity.
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Constructed Response: Physical Activity and Wellness
- In this exercise, candidates will analyze a scenario that describes a student’s current physical activity levels or daily activities, and make recommendations for a wellness program that is appropriate for the student according to his or her needs, current situation, and age.
Performance Exam Requirements
In addition to the computer-based assessment, candidates for National Board Certification are required to complete three portfolio entries, which are submitted online.
The topics for the portfolio entries are as follows:
- Differentiation Instruction
- This classroom-based portfolio entry is primarily comprised of samples of student work and an accompanying written commentary.
- Teaching Practice and Learning Environment
- This is a classroom-based portfolio entry that requires video recordings of interactions between the candidate and his/her students.
- Effective and Reflective Practitioner
- This portfolio entry requires examples of assessments used for formative and summative purposes.
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Early and Middle Childhood/Physical Education examination:
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Best Sources
- Candidate FAQs
- Candidate Resources
- Early and Middle Childhood/Physical Education - Component 1
- Early and Middle Childhood/Physical Education - Component 2
- Early and Middle Childhood/Physical Education - Component 3
- Early and Middle Childhood/Physical Education - Component 4
- Guide to National Board Certification
- NBCT Certification Renewal - Profile of Professional Growth
- Physical Education Standards
- Renewal at a Glance
- Renewal Guide to Board Certification
RECERTIFICATION
Early and Middle Childhood/Physical Education
Renewal Period: 5 years