The author, Executive Director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, examines the state of physical education in secondary school programs and presents twelve commonalities of quality physical education programs. Those common characteristics are identified as: (1) high student and staff morale; (2) frequent methods experimentation and continual evaluation; (3) effective use of time; (4) ability grouping for fitness and skill levels; (5) identification of development needs and formation of remedial activities; (6) clear statement of standards and frequent testing; (7) emphasis on self-competition; (8) identification, training, and utilization of outstanding students for use as activity leaders; (9) teacher participation in daily programs; (10) student understanding of the importance of regular activity, the principles of exercise, and their application; (11) community involvement through at least one "Physical Education Night" per year; and (12) dedication to excellence on the part of the department head. (MJB)