How would you feel if you were judged on your physical ability and were punished just because you aren't as fast or strong as other people? This is how some kids might feel in gym class. Physical education was first influenced between the late 1700s and the mid-1800s by three nations, Germany, Sweden, and England. German immigrants who supported a strong system of gymnastic training introduced the Turner Societies. They used heavy equipment including a side horse and parallel and horizontal bars. The Swedes have done their part by adopting an exercise system that promotes health through performance with lightweight equipment such as poles and climbing ropes. However, the English brought sports and games to America through physical activity and participation. These three nations influenced the foundations of sports and physical education in America. We all know the importance of physical activity and health not only in America, but around the world. Having a special class dedicated to physical education is a great thing if taught the right way. Physical education should be evaluated based on students' effort and improvement in class, not just their physical ability. While it is true that teachers need to set scores to grade, physical education should be graded on effort and improvement. Not all students are star athletes. Not all children can run less than a mile in seven minutes. Physical education teachers have a set time that children must reach for physical fitness tests. It may be that kids have to run less than a seven-minute mile, or do a certain number of pull-ups and sit-ups to get an A. There are kids out there who may be good at art or singing, but they're not. you have no physical talent. These guys... middle of paper... limits that even they can overcome. That's why physical education should be graded on effort and improvement, not physical ability. Work Cited “Northside Independent School District.” Recommended grading policy for physical education. Np, nd Web. December 15, 2013. “Bullying keeps overweight kids off the field.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, April 20, 2006. Web. December 15, 2013."History PE - Physical Education TOAST." TOAST Physical Education. Np, nd Web. December 14, 2013."Pass/Fail." Pass/fail. Np, nd Web. December 15, 2013."National Standards for Physical Education Teacher Education." National standards for physical education teacher education. Np, nd Web. December 15, 2013. http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/pestandards.pdf “The Problem with Linking Physical Education to Academics.” The answer sheet -. Np, nd Web. December 16. 2013.