Physical Education and Health Education
Teacher Preparation

SPA Program Review Process

The SPA program review process contributes to the preparation of highly competent educators who can positively impact student learning and well-being in diverse educational settings. Peers from the field become trained to provide thorough evaluation of key assessments to ensure that programs align with the SHAPE America Initial Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Standards and the SHAPE America National Standards for Initial Health Education Teacher Education (HETE), thereby fostering continuous improvement and accountability.

SPAs conduct reviews twice every year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

Spring cycle

• March 15 – Program reports due
• August 1 – SPA decision posted in AIMS

Fall cycle

• September 15 – Program reports due
• February 1 – SPA decision posted in AIMS

Support for Program Review Preparers

SHAPE America offers several webinars throughout the year to support program report writers.

SHAPE America program reviewers and auditors will facilitate a webinar for program coordinators who are responsible for preparing SPA program reports. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get clarity on how to write program reports, as well as what types of evidence are needed to submit with reports. This webinar will be for both PETE and HETE program coordinators.

We Need You! Become a Program Reviewer

If you are a higher education professional in PETE/HETE, become a program report reviewer! SHAPE America provides a two-part training session each fall. After completing the training, reviewers will be placed on a team with a lead reviewer and another trained reviewer.

Benefits of Becoming a Program Reviewer

Becoming a reviewer provides a much-needed service to the profession, increased understanding of the accreditation process, and deepens knowledge on alignment between the national standards and program assessments.

As a SPA program reviewer, you learn about the process of accreditation AND can apply your knowledge to self-assess your programs and add to your portfolio for tenure. Additionally, many features of SPA program review training align with university required assessments.

How to Become a Reviewer

Become an integral part of this important process to support PETE/HETE accreditation and enhance your program and your knowledge today! If you are interested in becoming a SPA Reviewer, follow these steps:

1. Review the necessary qualifications

To be a HETE program reviewer you must have:

• A degree in health education;
• Five years past experience in school health education;
• Three documented current years of experience in school health education.

To be a PETE program reviewer you must have:

• A minimum bachelor’s level degree with preference at master’s level or beyond*;
• Five or more years’ current experience teaching preK-12 physical education or higher education.

*It is preferred an applicant’s degree is in physical education. However, consideration will be provided to applicants with a degree in a related field (e.g., health education) if the applicant’s recent experience is appropriate.

2. Fill out a Reviewer Qualification Form.

3. Join us for a two-part CAEP SPA Reviewer Training series!

Note: Registrants must complete the Reviewer Qualification Form prior to the start of the training and must attend both webinar sessions.

SHAPE America National Standards for Higher Education

The SHAPE America National Initial Physical Education Teacher Education Standards and the SHAPE America National Standards for Initial Health Education Teacher Education serve as the foundation for well-designed PETE and HETE programs.