2280 - PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The Board recognizes the value of physical education to the maintenance of the health and vitality of all students, as well as to the development of life-long habits that will enhance personal fitness and wellness. Quality physical education programs positively impact students’ physical, social, and mental health. It is the unique role of quality physical education programs to provide opportunities for children to understand the importance of physical activity and to acquire skills to combat a sedentary lifestyle.

Curriculum

The District's physical education program shall:

1. have a curriculum aligned with the Michigan K-12 Physical Education Content Standards and Benchmarks;

2. equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for lifelong physical activity;

3. influence personal and social skill development.

Instruction and Assessment

The District's physical education program shall:

1. be taught by a certified physical education teacher trained in best practice physical education methods;

2. align curriculum, instruction, and assessment;

3. engage students in curriculum choices that prepare them for a wide variety of lifetime activities;

4. involve all students in purposeful activity for a majority of the class period;

5. build students’ confidence and competence in physical abilities;

6. include students of all abilities.

Opportunity to Learn

The District's physical education program shall:

1. offer instructional periods totaling 150 minutes per week (elementary) and 225 minutes per week (middle and high school);

2. maintain a teacher to student ratio consistent with those of other subject areas and/or classrooms;

3. provide facilities to implement the curriculum for the number of students served;

4. provide sufficient functional equipment for each student to actively participate;

5. build students’ confidence and competence in physical abilities;

6. include students of all abilities.

The District shall provide daily opportunities for unstructured physical activity, commonly referred to as recess, for all students in Pre-K through grade six. Recess should be in addition to physical education class time and not be a substitute for physical education. Each school shall provide proper equipment and a safe area designated for supervised recess in the elementary setting. School staff should not withhold participation in recess from students or cancel recess to make up for missed instructional time. Schools should provide opportunities for some type of physical activity for students in grades seven through twelve apart from physical education class and organized sports.

Provision shall be made at all levels to excuse individual students from specific activities if direction to do so is received, in writing, from the student's physician.

Students may be excused from specific activities if those activities are contrary to their religious beliefs. A request to excuse a student from such activities must be received in writing from the student's parent or from the eligible student.

© Neola 2012