Counseling Forms

Simi Valley Unified School District ISPE (Independent Study PE) Information:

Please reach out to your child's counselor via email to request the link to the latest ISPE packet. Below is an introduction outlining the initial steps and requirements. Kindly be aware that the enrollment deadline for the upcoming school year is May 30th of the current academic year. 

Updated 4-30-24

INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

According to California State Education Code, a public school district is not required to offer Independent Study Physical Education (ISPE); it is up to the discretion of a district. Simi Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) elects to offer ISPE on a limited basis with a specified application window, specific eligibility criteria and accountability to students for whom ISPE is deemed an appropriate educational placement. 

ISPE provides students with the flexibility to engage in physical education learning activities outside the traditional school setting and hours. ISPE requires students to participate in a significantly distinct program focused on activities in which they have achieved a high level of competitiveness at state or regional levels. These are programs that are training at pre-professional, Olympic, or professional level. Travel and club teams would not necessarily qualify. 

ISPE is available to students entering grades 7-12 (for PE credit only). ISPE application/agreement forms are accessible at all secondary school sites. It is the responsibility of school site administrators to inform both new and returning students about the availability of ISPE during the orientation process. Additionally, site administrators are tasked with authorizing, supervising, and monitoring all ISPE activities and agreements. When evaluating ISPE applications, particular emphasis will be placed on distinguishing between recreational, travel/club, and elite competitive programs. The degree of competitiveness and the potential for advanced skill development will be key considerations in determining acceptance into the ISPE program.

Should you have any inquiries, families should first contact the ISPE Coordinator at your child's school site. If any questions remain unanswered, feel free to reach out to the school site administrator responsible for ISPE. Should further clarification be required and your child's school site administrator unable to assist, you are welcome to contact the district office to connect with the SVUSD Director of Secondary Education.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Applications for ISPE can be obtained from the counseling office of all SVUSD secondary sites upon request. All ISPE applications must be submitted to the school site within the specified timeframes outlined below. These application windows apply uniformly across all SVUSD middle schools and high schools.

For Currently Enrolled SVUSD ISPE Applicants:

The spring ISPE application window for placement during the subsequent school year is open from March 1st to May 30th (last school day in May). No applications for ISPE placement in the first semester of the following school year will be accepted after May 30th. Prior to placement, applications for ISPE with sport/activity vendors must possess active, valid certificates of insurance at the time the application is submitted. Parents/guardians must provide SVUSD with proof of updated insurance certificates from vendors whose coverage is set to expire prior to fall or during the ISPE placement. No ISPE hours may be recorded when a vendor's certificate of insurance is not on file at SVUSD. ISPE placements will not be approved mid-year. 

For New-To-SVUSD ISPE Applicants:

A summer ISPE application window for the current/upcoming school year will be available one week before and one week after the first day of school in August for students new to SVUSD. No applications for first-semester ISPE placement will be accepted after the second week of this window. Prior to placement, applications for ISPE with sport/activity vendors must possess active, valid certificates of insurance at the time the application is submitted. Parents/guardians must provide SVUSD with proof of updated insurance certificates from vendors whose coverage is set to expire prior to fall or during the ISPE placement. No ISPE hours may be recorded when a vendor's certificate of insurance is not on file at SVUSD. A mid-year ISPE application window for second-semester placements will be available for New-To-SVUSD students one week before and one week after the first day of the second semester in January. No applications for second-semester ISPE placement will be accepted after the close of this window.

ISPE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All of the following conditions and guidelines must be met by the last day of the previous school year:

1. ISPE requires students to participate in a significantly distinct program focused on activities in which they have achieved a high level of competitiveness at state or regional levels. These are programs that are training at pre-professional, Olympic, or professional level. Travel and club teams that do not meet that criteria would not qualify. 

a. Applicants may be required to attach evidence, current standings, rankings, and other accomplishments

2. ISPE is available to students entering grades 7-12 (for PE credit only). No ISPE is offered in the 6th grade.

3. Student is a member of a team for a sport that is not offered at school. ISPE programs comprising a sport offered at school may not be approved.

4. Approved ISPE programs must engage participants for a minimum of 300 minutes for each 5 school days (weekend events not included), in physical activity, support personal growth, and promote healthy living and physical activity as lifelong goals and adhere to the state’s content standards in physical education.

5. Approved ISPE programs must be structured programs taught by qualified individuals responsible for supervising, documenting and verifying student participation, progress and performance. A parent will not be approved as a supervising coach for his or her child.

6. Working out at a gym (yoga, weights, etc.) or with a personal trainer does NOT qualify for ISPE.

7. ISPE students MUST have passed 5 of 6 tests in the previous California Physical Fitness Test (PFT).

8. ISPE students in 7th and 9th grades must participate in the California Physical Fitness Test (PFT).

9. ISPE students MUST have passed ISPE or PE class the previous year with a B or higher and an overall 2.0 GPA. Not passing the previous year’s class is grounds for automatic disqualification. ISPE cannot be used to make-up a failing grade in physical education. If a student fails ISPE during the first or second semester he or she will be dropped from the class and will not be eligible to enroll in future ISPE classes.

10. There must be a necessary educational need for ISPE. The student will be required to enroll in an additional course. 7th-11th grade students must have six (6) classes, not including ISPE. Seniors may have five (5) classes, not including ISPE.

SVUSD ISPE APPLICATION

1. An ISPE Application/Agreement Form is completed and submitted to site administrator no later than the date identified in the section labeled, Application Timeline.

2. Site administrator or designated committee reviews each application, determines if proposed ISPE program meets the necessary requirements, notifies applicant of his or her decision and oversees the completion of all ISPE requirements per the agreement. Students will be contacted regarding status prior to the start of the school year.

3. Student and/or Parent or Guardian is responsible for any cost associated with ISPE.

4. Student and/or Parent or Guardian is responsible for any transportation associated with ISPE.

5. Students must apply every year for ISPE. There is no mid-semester or mid-year entry into ISPE.