The Governing Board recognizes the positive benefits of physical activity on student health, well-being, and academic achievement. The district shall provide all students the opportunity to be physically active on a regular basis through high-quality physical education instruction and may provide additional opportunities for physical activity throughout the school day. The district's physical education and activity programs shall support the district's coordinated student wellness program and encourage students' lifelong fitness.
(cf. 5030 - Student Wellness)
(cf. 6142.8 - Comprehensive Health Education)
Physical education classes shall be conducted in the coeducational, inclusive manner prescribed by law. The district shall provide instruction in physical education that provides equal access and equal opportunities for participation for all students in grades 1-12 regardless of gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, and mental or physical disability. (Education Code 220, 221.5, 33352; 5 CCR 4900, 4930, 4931, 4940, 4960; 34 CFR 106.33, 106.34, 300.108)
(cf. 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)
The district's physical education program shall provide a developmentally appropriate sequence of instruction aligned with the state's model content standards and curriculum framework.
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
The district's physical education program shall engage students in age-appropriate moderate to vigorous physical activity, as defined in the accompanying administrative regulation, including aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening activities. The Superintendent/Principal or designee shall develop strategies to monitor the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity that takes place in the physical education instructional program.
For grades 9-12, the overall course of study shall include the effects of physical activity upon dynamic health, the mechanics of body movement, aquatics, gymnastics and tumbling, individual and dual sports, rhythms and dance, team sports, and combatives. (Education Code 33352; 5 CCR 10060)
The Board shall approve the courses in grades 9-12 for which physical education credit may be granted.
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
(cf. 6146.11 - Alternative Credits Toward Graduation)
The Superintendent/Principal or designee shall develop strategies to supplement physical education instruction with additional opportunities for students to be physically active before, during, and after the school day.
(cf. 1330.1 - Joint Use Agreements)
(cf. 5142.2 - Safe Routes to School Program)
(cf. 5148 - Child Care and Development Program)
(cf. 5148.2 - Before/After School Programs)
(cf. 6145 - Extracurricular and Cocurricular Activities)
Students with disabilities shall be provided instruction in physical education in accordance with their individualized education program or Section 504 accommodation plan.
(cf. 6159 - Individualized Education Program)
(cf. 6164.6 - Identification and Education Under Section 504)
During air pollution episodes, extreme weather, or other inclement conditions, physical education staff shall make appropriate adjustments to the program or shall seek alternative indoor space to enable students to participate in active physical education.
(cf. 3514 - Environmental Safety)
(cf. 5141.7 - Sun Safety)
(cf. 5141.23 - Asthma Management)
(cf. 6145.2 - Athletic Competition)
Staffing
Physical education instruction shall be delivered by appropriately credentialed teachers who may be assisted by instructional aides, paraprofessionals, and/or volunteers.
(cf. 1240 - Volunteer Assistance)
(cf. 4112.2 - Certification)
(cf. 4112.21 - Interns)
(cf. 4113 - Assignment)
(cf. 4222 - Teacher Aides/Paraprofessionals)
The district shall provide physical education teachers with continuing professional development, including classroom management and instructional strategies designed to keep students engaged and active and to enhance the quality of physical education instruction and assessment.
(cf. 4131 - Staff Development)
(cf. 5121 - Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement)
Physical Fitness Testing
The Superintendent/Principal or designee shall annually administer the physical fitness test designated by the State Board of Education (FITNESSGRAM) to students in grades 5, 7, and 9. (Education Code 60800; 5 CCR 1041)
Temporary Exemptions
The Superintendent/Principal or designee may grant a student a temporary exemption from physical education under either of the following conditions: (Education Code 51241)
1. The student is ill or injured and a modified program to meet the student's needs cannot be provided.
2. The student is enrolled for one-half time or less.
Two-Year Exemptions
With the student's consent, the Superintendent/Principal or designee may exempt a student from physical education courses for any two years during grades 10-12 provided that the student has satisfactorily met at least five of the six standards of the FITNESSGRAM in grade 9. (Education Code 51241)
Upon request by students and/or their parents/guardians, the Superintendent/Principal or designee may administer the FITNESSGRAM to students in grades 10-12 who need to pass the test in order to qualify for a two-year exemption from physical education courses.
Students in grades 10-12 who have been granted a two-year exemption shall be offered a variety of elective physical education courses of not less than 400 minutes each 10 school days. (Education Code 33352, 51222)
Such students shall not be permitted to attend fewer total hours of courses and classes than they would have attended if enrolled in a physical education course. (Education Code 51241)
(cf. 6112 - School Day)
Permanent Exemptions
The Superintendent/Principal or designee may grant a student a permanent exemption from physical education under any of the following conditions: (Education Code 51241)
1. The student is age 16 years or older and has been enrolled in grade 10 for one or more academic years. However, such a student shall not be permitted to attend fewer total hours of courses and classes than the student would have attended if enrolled in a physical education course.
2. The student is enrolled as a postgraduate student.
3. The student is enrolled in a juvenile home, ranch, camp, or forestry camp school with scheduled recreation and exercise.
Students who have been granted a permanent exemption shall be offered a variety of elective physical education courses of not less than 400 minutes each 10 school days. (Education Code 33352)
Other Exemptions
The Superintendent/Principal or designee may grant a student an exemption from physical education under the following special circumstances:
1. When the student is in any of grades 10-12 and is excused for up to 24 clock hours in order to participate in automobile driver training. However, any such student shall attend a minimum of 7,000 minutes of physical education instruction during the school year. (Education Code 51222)
2. When the student is in any of grades 10-12, attends a regional occupational center or program, and, because of the travel time involved, would experience hardship to attend physical education courses. Any such student shall have a minimum school day of 180 minutes. (Education Code 52316)
(cf. 6178.2 - Regional Occupational Center/Program)
3. When the student is in high school and is engaged in a regular school-sponsored interscholastic athletic program carried on wholly or partially after regular school hours. (Education Code 51242)
(cf. 6145.2 - Athletic Competition)
Program Evaluation
The Superintendent/Principal or designee shall annually report to the Board each school's FITNESSGRAM results for each applicable grade level. The Superintendent/Principal or designee shall also report to the Board regarding the number of instructional minutes offered in physical education for each grade level, the number of two-year and permanent exemptions granted pursuant to Education Code 51241, and any other data agreed upon by the Board and the Superintendent/Principal or designee to evaluate program quality and the effectiveness of the district's program in meeting goals for physical activity and student well-being.
(cf. 0500 - Accountability)
(cf. 6190 - Evaluation of the Instructional Program)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
220 Prohibition of discrimination
221.5 Sex equity in education
33126 School accountability report card
33350-33354 CDE responsibilities re: physical education
35256 School accountability report card
44250-44277 Credential types
49066 Grades; physical education class
51210 Course of study, grades 1-6
51220 Course of study, grades 7-12
51222 Physical education
51223 Physical education, elementary schools
51241 Temporary, two-year or permanent exemption from physical education
51242 Exemption from physical education for athletic program participants
52316 Excuse from attending physical education classes; regional occupational center/program
60800 Physical performance test
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
1040-1044 Physical performance test
1047-1048 Testing variations and accommodations
3051.5 Adapted physical education for individuals with exceptional needs
4600-4670 Uniform complaint procedures
4900-4965 Nondiscrimination in elementary and secondary educational programs receiving state or federal financial assistance
10060 Criteria for high school physical education programs
80020 Additional assignment authorizations for specific credentials
80037 Designated subjects teaching credential; special teaching authorization in physical education
80046.1 Added authorization to teach adapted physical education
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 29
794 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 42
1758b Local wellness policy
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 34
106.33 Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex; comparable facilities
106.34 Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex; access to classes and schools
300.108 Assistance to states for the education of children with disabilities; physical education
ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINIONS
53 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 230 (1970)
COURT DECISIONS
Doe v. Albany Unified School District (2010) 190 Cal.App.4th 668
Cal200 et al. v. San Francisco Unified School District et al. (2013), San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. CGC-13-534975
Cal200 et al. v. Oakland Unified School District et al. (San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. CPF-14-513959
Management Resources:
CSBA PUBLICATIONS
Monitoring for Success: A Guide for Assessing and Strengthening Student Wellness Policies, 2012
Student Wellness: A Healthy Food and Physical Activity Policy Resource Guide, 2012
Active Bodies, Active Minds: Physical Activity and Academic Achievement, Fact Sheet, February 2010
Maximizing Opportunities for Physical Activity Through Joint Use of Facilities, Policy Brief, February 2010
Maximizing Opportunities for Physical Activity During the School Day, Fact Sheet, November 2009
Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in Physical Education to Improve Health and Academic Outcomes, Fact Sheet, November 2009
Physical Education and California Schools, Policy Brief, October 2007
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PUBLICATIONS
Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade 12, 2009
Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade 12, January 2005
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION PUBLICATIONS
School Health Index (SHI): A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide, Elementary School, 2017
School Health Index (SHI): A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide, Middle/High School, 2017
COMMISSION ON TEACHER CREDENTIALING PUBLICATIONS
The Administrator's Assignment Manual, 2019
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PUBLICATIONS
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition, 2018
WEB SITES
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov
California Healthy Kids Resource Center: http://www.californiahealthykids.org
California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition): http://www.californiaprojectlean.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov
Commission on Teacher Credentialing: http://www.ctc.ca.gov
Healthy People 2010: http://www.healthypeople.gov
National Association for Sport and Physical Education: https://www.pgpedia.com/n/national-association-sport-and-physical-education
President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition: http://www.fitness.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.health.gov
Policy WEST SIDE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: September 10, 2020 Healdsburg, California