San Francisco Unified School District and County Office of Education
Board Policy 6142.7
Physical Education and Activity
This Board Policy applies to the San Francisco Unified School District and the County Office of Education.
The Governing Board recognizes the positive benefits of physical activity on student health 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 grade K-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. 0410 – Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)
(cf. 6011 – Academic Standards)
(cf. 6143 – Courses of Study)
Instructional Time*
Instruction in physical education shall be provided for a total period of time of not less than 200 minutes each 10 school days for students in grades 1-6 and not less than 400 minutes each 10 school days for students in grades 7-12. (Education Code 51210, 51222) In recognition of the goals of the District’s Physical Education Master Plan, the Board strongly encourages the continued provision of PE at all grade levels as described in the SFUSD Physical Education Master Plan. Physical education instructional minutes shall not include time spent in recess or the lunch period. (Education Code 51210(a)(7), 51210.1(c)).
Students who have been granted a permanent exemption from physical education pursuant to Education Code 51241 (c) 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(d))
Course of Study All Grades
SFUSD will provide all children access to a high-quality, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate physical education program on a regular basis. Physical Education classes will have an emphasis on physical activities for pupils that are conducive to health and vigor of body and mind. (Education Code 51210(a)(7), 51210(a)(2), 51220(d)).
Course of Study 9-12
To fulfill the requirement for high school graduation students must take two years of physical education unless otherwise exempted under Board Policy. (BP 6146.1) The CA PE Framework refers to the two year sequence as Course 1 (9th Grade) and Course 2 (10th grade).
The overall course of study for grades 9-12 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)
(cf. 6146.1 – High School Graduation Requirements)
(cf. 6146.11 – Alternative Credits Toward Graduation)
Program Activity and Instruction
The District’s physical education classes shall engage students in moderate to vigorous physical activity, as defined in the accompanying administrative regulation, for at least 50 percent of class or session time.
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)
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. 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**
During the annual assessment window between the months of February through May, students in grades 5,7 and 9 shall be administered the physical fitness test designated by the State Board of Education. (Education Code 60800; 5 CCR 1041)
Temporary Exemptions
Education Code 51241 provides that “The governing board of a school district or the office of the county superintendent of schools of a county may grant a temporary exemption to a pupil from courses in physical education” under defined criteria including if the pupil is ill or injured and a modified program to meet the needs of the pupil cannot be provided.
The governing board appoints and authorizes the Superintendent or designee to grant temporary exemptions to students in accordance with the above criteria adopted by the Board in their role as Superintendent of San Francisco Unified School District and County Office of Education. The operational process to grant temporary exemptions shall be described in Administrative Regulation.
Permanent Exemptions
Education Code 51241(c) provides that “[t]he governing board of a school district or the office of the county superintendent of a county may grant permanent exemption from courses in physical education” if the pupil meets defined criteria including:
- Is 16 years of age or older and has been enrolled in grade 10 for one academic year or longer, or
- Is enrolled in a juvenile home school where pupils are scheduled for recreation and exercise pursuant to the requirements of Article 24 (commencing with Section 880) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
The governing board appoints and authorizes the Superintendent or designee to grant permanent exemptions to students in accordance with the above criteria adopted by the Board, in their role as Superintendent of San Francisco Unified School District and County Office of Education. This provision does not grant an exemption to all pupils who are in a particular class or grade span, such as all pupils in 11th or 12th grade. However, this provision does authorize the Superintendent or designee to grant a permanent exemption to all individual students who meet either one of the criteria above. The process to grant exemptions shall be described in Administrative Regulation.
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)
Alternative Means to Complete Physical Education
Independent study may be used to extend a student’s educational opportunities in physical education. Students in the following programs are eligible to use independent study to complete physical education requirements:
- Students in a career pathway that requires a course sequence of 3 or more years;
- Students enrolled in an alternative school of choice; and
- Students enrolled in a continuation school or county schools program.
Students in independent study must adhere to the Administrative Regulation requirements for PE independent study.
Additional Opportunities for Physical Activity
The Superintendent 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 Program)
(cf. 6145 – Extracurricular and Cocurricular Activities)
(cf. 6145.5 – Student Organizations and Equal Access)
Complaints
A complaint that the District has not complied with the physical education instructional minute requirements shall be filed with the District pursuant to the Uniform Complaint Procedures set forth in Chapter 5.1 (commencing with Section 4600) of Division 1 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.
A complainant not satisfied with the decision of the District may appeal the decision to CDE and shall receive a written appeal decision within 60 days of the department’s receipt of the appeal. If the District finds merit in a complaint, or CDE finds merit in an appeal, the school District shall provide a remedy to all affected pupils, parents, and guardians.
(cf. 1342 – Uniform Complaints)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
33126 School accountability report card
33350-33354 CDE responsibilities re: physical education
35256 School accountability report card
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
60800 Physical performance test
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
1040-1048 Physical performance test
3051.5 Adapted physical education for individuals with exceptional needs
10060 Criteria for high school physical education programs
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 29
794 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 42
1758b Local wellness policy
ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINIONS
53 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 230 (1970)
Management Resources:
CSBA PUBLICATIONS
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, rev. 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
Building Healthy Communities: A School Leader’s Guide to Collaboration and Community Engagement, 2009
Physical Education and California Schools, Policy Brief, rev. October 2007
Monitoring for Success: Student Wellness Policy Implementation Monitoring Report and Guide, 2007
Student Wellness: A Healthy Food and Physical Activity Policy Resource Guide, rev. April 2006
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
Adapted Physical Education Guidelines for California Schools, 2003
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION PUBLICATIONS
School Health Index for Physical Activity and Healthy Eating: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide for Elementary and Middle/High Schools, 2000
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PUBLICATIONS
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, October 2008
WEB SITES
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
California Department of Education, Physical Fitness Testing: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/pf
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
Educational Data System, California physical fitness: http://www.eddata.com/projects/current/cpf
Healthy People 2010: http://www.healthypeople.gov
National Association for Sport and Physical Education: http://www.aahperd.org/naspe
President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: http://www.fitness.gov
The California Endowment: http://www.calendow.org
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.health.gov
Please note that compare references, or “cf”, refer to CSBA model policies and do not necessarily indicate that the San Francisco Unified School District has adopted the referenced policy.