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CATCH PE JourneysK-8 Physical Education

About the Program

Physical Education in Schools

CATCH PE Journeys is an evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, physical education curriculum that teaches physical literacy, movement skills, physical fitness, social-emotional learning, skill competency, and cognitive understanding about the importance of lifelong physical activity. PE Journeys instruction is standards-aligned and designed to promote enjoyment and participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) while emphasizing non-elimination games for K-8 children of all skill levels and physical abilities.

PE Journeys provides both PE specialists and classroom teachers with the information and materials needed to successfully develop and implement a quality physical education program, in accordance with sound physical activity, pedagogy, and social learning theory.

 

physical educationWhat’s Included with PE Journeys:

  • All curricular materials are accessed via the CATCH.org platform (with student-facing materials that can be shared via any standard LMS)
  • 36-week scope and sequence with sample units, student-facing resources to support learning with visual content, and flexible assessment tools
  • Hundreds of games and activities that develop physical & social-emotional (SEL) skills
  • National standards alignments for each activity (jump to Standards Alignments)
  • Self-Guided 2-part training module: “Inclusion of Youth with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities”
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) support available
  • In-person CATCH PE training can be added on (recommended for those new to CATCH)
  • Physical equipment and select hard copy supplemental materials are available from our partners at Flaghouse

View CATCH Health and PE Adoption Rubric


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Evidence-Based and Proven Effective
Beyond evidence informed, CATCH is truly evidence-based, with over 120 peer-reviewed publications and dozens of white papers, manuscripts, and reports (see full list). Here are a just few CATCH research highlights:
Increased MVPA

During a randomized controlled trial including 96 schools in four states, CATCH increased the portion of PE class time spent in MVPA from 37% to 52%.

(McKenzie, et al., Prev Med., 1996)

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Academic Success

A CATCH study found that increased physical activity through the CATCH program improved math and reading achievement among elementary school students.

(Murray, et al., Nemours, 2008)

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Lasting Healthy Habits

Health behavior changes from CATCH have been shown to persist 3-years post-implementation.

(Nader, et al., Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med., 1999)

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Developmentally Appropriate

CATCH supports SHAPE America’s (Society of Health and Physical Education) National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education which identifies the primary goal of physical education is to help all children attain physical literacy. In addition to organizing activities by grade-level, CATCH’s developmentally appropriate practices in physical education include accommodating a variety of individual characteristics such as developmental status, previous movement experiences, fitness and skill level, body size and age.

 

 
Physically Active

CATCH PE encourages and supports the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) guideline that 50% of PE class time be spent in Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA). We provide guidance on classroom management alongside tools and resources to help educators prepare and organize lessons where instruction and physical activity go hand-in-hand. Our best practices are evidence-based and have been fine-tuned over more than 30 years of experience and implementation in PE settings of all shapes and sizes.


Inclusive

By implementing a program that involves accessible and inclusive activities, students’ self-efficacy can increase and wholesome decision-making becomes more sustainable. Inclusive programs provide individuals with a sense of belonging, better social experiences, educational opportunities, and improve health outcomes of all children, with and without disabilities.

 

CATCH PE Training

CATCH Training is an integral part of a successful CATCH program. Beyond being educational and informative, this hands-on training is fun and encourages communication and teamwork!

Training Works
From 2014-2018, seven school districts in three states participated in SOFIT observations before and after implementing CATCH PE. Prior to CATCH, the average amount of PE class time spent in MVPA was 40% (52 PE classes observed). After implementing CATCH, 58% of PE class time was spent in MVPA (60 PE classes observed). Put another way, just 21% of PE classes were meeting the goal for 50% MVPA prior to CATCH PE training compared to 73% of classes after training.

Learn more about our PE Trainings

Learn more about MVPA


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