NES Physical Education (516) Practice Tests

Competencies 0001– to 0003 make up about 37% of the test. They ask you to understand physical literacy and the roles of motor development and motor learning in developing students' physical literacy; understand principles, techniques, skills, activities, organizational strategies, and safety practices for games and sports; understand principles, techniques, skills, activities, organizational strategies, and safety practices for cooperative group activities; dance and rhythms; outdoor pursuits; aquatics; and individual and group/team challenges.

• Competency 0001: Understand physical literacy and the roles of motor development and motor learning in developing students' physical literacy. Skills tested: Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of physical literacy; the rationale for developing students' physical literacy; and the concept that to be physically active for life, students should be able to move with competence and confidence in a variety of physical activities that they enjoy; Demonstrate knowledge of development in the psychomotor, cognitive, affective, and social learning domains; ways in which these domains influence students' physical literacy; and strategies for developing students' physical literacy through well-designed motor learning tasks; Identify characteristics and sequences of typical and atypical motor development, behavior, and learning during infancy, childhood, and adolescence (e.g., gross to fine motor skills); Analyze the role of motor competence in physical literacy and the importance of developing the motor skills, confidence, and cognitive understanding to maintain physical activity throughout life; Analyze factors that influence motor learning and motor skill acquisition (e.g., feedback, readiness, practice, observational learning, transfer of learning) and principles and techniques for planning, sequencing, and modifying activities to promote motor learning and control; Demonstrate knowledge of movement concepts related to body awareness, spatial awareness, relationship awareness, qualities of movement (e.g., time, speed, force), effort, level, pathway, balance, and flow; Apply knowledge of biomechanical principles (e.g., motion, stability, center of gravity, force, buoyancy, rotation, accuracy, velocity, acceleration, resistance) in the context of movement activities and individual body mechanics; Identify types, characteristics, and critical elements of locomotor, nonlocomotor, body control, and object control/manipulative skills; Demonstrate knowledge of activities and approaches for developing students' locomotor, nonlocomotor, body control, and object control/manipulative skills and use of these skills in combination.
• Competency 0002: Understand principles, techniques, skills, activities, organizational strategies, and safety practices for games and sports. Skills tested: Demonstrate knowledge of how to promote students' ability to analyze game environments, situations, and other factors in order to apply appropriate movement concepts, strategies, and tactics; Apply knowledge of principles, techniques, skills, activities, skill progressions, strategies, safety practices, rules, tactics, and types and uses of equipment for territorial games and sports (e.g., capture the flag, soccer, field hockey, flag football); Apply knowledge of principles, techniques, skills, activities, skill progressions, strategies, safety practices, rules, tactics, and types and uses of equipment for net/wall games and sports (e.g., badminton, pickleball, ping-pong, volleyball, tennis); Apply knowledge of principles, techniques, skills, activities, skill progressions, strategies, safety practices, rules, tactics, and types and uses of equipment for striking/fielding games and sports (e.g., golf, baseball, softball, cricket); Apply knowledge of principles, techniques, skills, activities, skill progressions, strategies, safety practices, rules, tactics, and types and uses of equipment for individual pursuit sports and target games and sports (e.g., track and field, archery, cycling, swimming); Identify how students' self-awareness and management skills can be developed through rules, sport-specific etiquette, and acceptance of responsibility for individual actions and improvements in physical activity settings; Identify the benefits of teamwork and team building, including appreciation of talents as well as the development of collaboration, goal-setting, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Competency 0003: Understand principles, techniques, skills, activities, organizational strategies, and safety practices for cooperative group activities; dance and rhythms; outdoor pursuits; aquatics; and individual and group/team challenges. Skills tested: Demonstrate knowledge of principles, techniques, skills, activities, organizational strategies, safety practices, and types and uses of equipment for cooperative group activities; Identify elements of rhythm, types of rhythmic movement activities, and skills and strategies for integrating motor skills and movement concepts into rhythmic movement and dance activities; Apply knowledge of rules, techniques, skills, types and uses of equipment, safety practices, and organizational strategies for outdoor pursuits, recreational activities, aquatics, personal performance activities, and individual and group/team challenges; Identify the physiological, social, and mental health benefits of participating and working with others in physical activities (e.g., developing cooperative and leadership skills, feeling connected); Apply knowledge of strategies and resources for supporting students' participation in and enjoyment of cooperative group activities, dance and rhythms, outdoor pursuits, recreational activities, aquatics, personal performance activities, and individual and group/team challenges.

Competencies 0004– to 0005 make up about 26% of the test. They ask you to understand principles and components of health-related and skill-related fitness, including activities for promoting cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance; understand principles, procedures, and resources for developing and maintaining lifelong physical activity and healthy habits.

• Competency 0004: Understand principles and components of health-related and skill-related fitness, including activities for promoting cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance. Skills tested: Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and functions of major body systems (e.g., anatomy, physiology) and ways in which energy systems work during physical activity; Identify physiological changes and adaptations that result from participation in regular physical activity, the role of physical activity in the prevention of illness and disease, and health risks associated with inactivity; Identify common physical and psychological effects of stress; the role of physical activity in managing stress; and the physical, social, and mental health benefits of stress-management activities; Demonstrate knowledge of health-related fitness concepts and components, their role in physical literacy, and ways in which they can be used to analyze and design strategies that positively influence health and well-being; Apply knowledge of fitness principles (e.g., frequency, intensity, time, and type [FITT]; progressive overload; specificity; warm-up) in the context of movement activities; Demonstrate knowledge of skill-related components of physical fitness (e.g., balance, coordination, agility, speed, power, reaction time) and types of physical activities that can be used to address each component; Identify principles, skills, techniques, activities, safety practices, resources, and various forms for developing, monitoring, and assessing cardiorespiratory fitness; Identify principles, skills, techniques, activities, safety practices, and various forms for developing and improving flexibility of the major joints and areas of the body; Identify principles, skills, techniques, activities, safety practices, and various forms for developing and improving muscular strength and endurance of the major muscle groups of the body.
• Competency 0005: Understand principles, procedures, and resources for developing and maintaining lifelong physical activity and healthy habits. Skills tested: Identify principles, criteria, and methods for designing and implementing individualized fitness plans (e.g., evaluating the need for lifestyle changes, identifying activities to address fitness and wellness goals); Demonstrate knowledge of establishing personal fitness, physical activity, and nutritional goals and for monitoring and evaluating progress toward these goals; Apply knowledge of how to promote students' ability to analyze time, cost, accessibility, and resources in relation to participation in physical activity and energy expenditure; Apply knowledge of physical fitness assessments and techniques and examine assessment results to help students determine health-related strengths, areas needing improvement, and personal goals; Identify principles, skills, techniques, activities, and safety practices for developing and maintaining a healthy ratio of lean muscle mass; Demonstrate knowledge of sources of nutrients; nutritional principles and guidelines; and criteria and techniques for evaluating nutritional information, choices, and products; Analyze the influence of peers, family, media, society, various backgrounds, and other factors on physical activity, nutrition, and health-related fitness practices; Analyze the relationships between nutrition, physical activity, body composition, and overall health; Recognize strategies for integrating health and fitness principles and activities into daily life and the benefits of a physically active lifestyle (e.g., enjoyment, challenge, social interaction, reduced healthcare costs).

Competencies 0006– to 0008 make up about 37% of the test. They ask you to understand the relationship between physical activity and the development of responsible personal and social behaviors and attitudes; understand how to plan, implement, adapt, and evaluate physical education programs and activities, including how to differentiate instruction; understand ethical, legal, professional, and injury prevention and safety practices in physical education.

• Competency 0006: Understand the relationship between physical activity and the development of responsible personal and social behaviors and attitudes. Skills tested: Analyze the relationship between physical activity and the development of a positive self-concept, mental and emotional well-being, and enhanced self-management skills; Identify how physical activity promotes positive personal behaviors and attitudes (e.g., civility, self-control, responsibility, confidence, appropriate attitudes about winning and losing) and appropriate activities for promoting these behaviors and attitudes; Analyze the role of physical activity in promoting positive social interactions, communication, and attitudes (e.g., leadership, teamwork, cooperation, fairness, support and consideration of others) among students; Identify ways in which physical activities can promote students' self and social awareness to enhance relationship and citizenship skills (e.g., respect for all groups); Demonstrate knowledge of how to promote students' critical-thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict-management skills in the context of physical activities; Identify ways in which positive physical activity experiences and behaviors (e.g., choosing a developmentally appropriate level of challenge, persevering, providing and accepting constructive feedback) can promote students' self-expression, satisfaction, interest, enjoyment, and engagement in physical activity; Identify the relationship between regular participation in physical activity and the development of academic skills (e.g., enhanced executive functioning skills, improved concentration); Analyze the influence of peers, social media, and other factors (e.g., social determinants of health, body image, experience, skill level, social norms) on the development of students' attitudes, behaviors, and motivation related to physical activity.
• Competency 0007: Understand how to plan, implement, adapt, and evaluate physical education programs and activities, including how to differentiate instruction. Skills tested: Demonstrate knowledge of major goals, issues, frameworks (e.g., Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child [WSCC]), standards, and best practices associated with student-centered physical education programs; Demonstrate knowledge of how to plan and implement physical education activities and strategies (e.g., effective use of resources, accommodations, technology, and metacognitive strategies) that support students' cognitive, psychomotor, and social-emotional development; Demonstrate knowledge of how to prepare activities, lesson plans, technological and instructional resources, and curriculum materials in terms of developmental appropriateness, safety, usefulness, and alignment with SHAPE America's National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K–12 Physical Education; Apply knowledge of differentiation methods of supporting (e.g., scaffolding, tiering) and modifying instruction to provide multiple ways for students to learn, practice, and demonstrate physical education skills; Demonstrate knowledge of principles, strategies, and procedures for managing and motivating students in physical education settings (e.g., facilitating smooth transitions, making activities relevant to students, providing appropriate feedback); Apply knowledge of strategies and techniques for adapting and modifying activities, settings, equipment, rules, and organizational strategies to enable all students, including students with special education needs and students from various linguistic backgrounds, to participate and experience success in the physical education environment; Apply knowledge of a variety of physical education assessment methods (e.g., rubrics, quizzes, peer assessments), tools (e.g., teaching styles), and protocols (e.g., classroom management) as well as the importance of using multiple means of assessment to promote students' development, monitor students' progress, and guide instruction; Demonstrate knowledge of principles and techniques for analyzing and evaluating students' progress and achievement in key domains of learning (e.g., affective, cognitive, social, psychomotor) and appropriate ways to use, interpret, and communicate assessment results.
• Competency 0008: Understand ethical, legal, professional, and injury prevention and safety practices in physical education. Skills tested: Demonstrate knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of teaching physical education (e.g., in relation to safety, risk management, injury prevention, and liability); Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal laws and guidelines related to special education, privacy, and other aspects of students' rights in relation to physical activity; Apply knowledge of strategies and resources for communicating and collaborating with parents/guardians, community members, school personnel, and organizations to promote, support, and advocate for physical education opportunities and the development of students who are physically literate; Demonstrate knowledge of methods and criteria for promoting students' ability to evaluate the reliability and validity of social media content, marketing messages, and claims for products and services related to physical performance, fitness, and health and wellness; Apply knowledge of strategies, skills, and criteria for locating and analyzing informational, professional, and career-related resources related to physical activity, physical education, and health and wellness; Demonstrate knowledge of how to promote students' ability to evaluate personal, educational, and community resources in relation to career, physical activity, and health and fitness options; Recognize appropriate principles and practices related to establishing and maintaining a safe physical education environment as well as to the care and use of physical education equipment, facilities, and other resources; Recognize injury prevention techniques, types and characteristics of physical injuries and life-threatening conditions, and principles and procedures for treating injures and providing emergency first aid.