Quality physical education programs taught by well-trained physical education specialists are an integral part of the total education of a child. This Digest describes the history and development of national standards for physical education by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). In 1995, NASPE published a general description of content standards by grade level and a variety of techniques appropriate for assessing student achievement. The National Standards for Physical Education indicate that a physically educated student: (1) demonstrates competency in many movement forms and proficiency in a few; (2) applies involvement concepts and principles to the learning and development of motor skills; (3) exhibits a physically active lifestyle; (4) achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness; (5) demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings; (6) demonstrates understanding and respect for differences among people in physical activity settings; and (7) understands that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. To achieve these standards a quality physical education program focuses on health-related fitness and behavioral competencies and motor skills needed for lifelong engagement in healthy and satisfying physical activity. Implications for instruction and program support are indicated. (Contains 14 references.) (LL)