Physical Education FAQ's

High School

• 1. What are the state high school graduation physical education course requirements?

The minimum requirement for graduation is two courses in physical education. “Commencing with the 1988-89 school year, no pupil shall receive a diploma of graduation from high school who, while in grades nine to twelve, inclusive, has not completed . . . ” (EC Section 51225.3[a]) “two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to the provisions of this code” (EC Section 51225.3[a][1][F]).

• 1. What is the required course content for high school students enrolled in physical education?

The course of study adopted by local educational agencies (LEAs) must include physical education for grades one through six (EC Section 51210[g]) and for grades seven through twelve (EC Section 51220[d]). These statutes specify that the physical education course of study must include an emphasis upon those physical activities that may be “conducive to health and vigor of body and mind.”

EC Section 51220(d) and EC Section 33352(b)(7) together require that an LEA offer a course of study in physical education for grades nine through twelve that includes a developmentally appropriate sequence of instruction in eight areas over the span of the physical education classes offered as part of the school’s course of study. The law does not specify that every class must include instruction in all eight areas, but rather it speaks to a course of study over grades nine through twelve that includes all eight areas.

Along with EC Section 33352(b)(7), the California Code of Regulations, Title 5 (5 CCR), Section 10060 outlines the criteria upon which each school district shall evaluate their course of study for high school physical education. The course of study provides for instruction in a developmental sequence in each of the following areas:

• 1. Effects of physical activity upon dynamic health

  2. Mechanics of body movement

  3. Aquatics

  4. Gymnastics and tumbling

  5. Individual and dual sports

  6. Rhythms/dance

  7. Team sports

  8. Combatives (5 CCR Section 10060a)

In addition, the Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools, High School Courses One and Two, convey a course model that includes the topics listed above.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/pd/ca/pe/physeducfaqs.asp#Physical

https://govt.westlaw.com