Physical Education Course Exemption

All students are required to complete two years (20 credits) of physical education in order to be eligible to graduate from high school, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to the provision of the California Education Code (EC). (EC Section 51225.3 [a][1][F])

Beginning the 25/26 school year, all 9th grade students will be enrolled in a year long PE course, or its equivalent, during the seven-period day.  Implementing this requirement will also make certain all our 9th graders participate in regular physical exercise, which has been proven to be connected to social-emotional well-being. 9th graders are currently following this practice.

The California Department of Education has strict requirements to the implementation of PE. Past practice has allowed 9th graders student-athletes to be excused from PE while in season; however, legal requirements dictate that all students in grades 7-12 must receive a minimum of 400 minutes of physical education instruction every 10 school days (Education Code Section 51222) and that students in grade 9 pass the physical fitness test (Section 60800)

The terms physical education and physical activity are often used interchangeably, but they differ in important ways. Understanding the differences between the two is critical to understanding why both contribute to the development of healthy and active youths. Every student needs both a quality PE program and physical activity program.

Physical education instructional programs provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to establish and sustain physical activity as a key component of their lifestyle, as children, adolescents, and adults. The PE model content standards adopted by the State Board of Education involve five overarching standards in kindergarten through grade eight and three overarching standards in grades nine through twelve, including eight required content areas that provide a developmentally appropriate, standards-based sequence of instruction. PE instruction provides students with essential skills and knowledge through a broad-based curriculum that is age-appropriate and links learning experiences in a sequential and articulated manner.

Physical activity is any bodily movement that is produced by the contraction of skeletal muscle and that substantially increases energy expenditure, including exercise, sport, dance, and other movement forms. PE programs, recess periods, intramural sports programs, and athletic programs involve physical activity, but each serves a different purpose. Intramural sports and athletic programs provide opportunities for student learning but are not likely to constitute high-quality, standards-based PE instruction.

Athletic programs are essentially designed for youths who have special skills and would like to specialize in one or more sports. They provide students with the opportunities to refine their skills and compete with others of similar interests and abilities.

Physical activity may include recreational, fitness, and sport activities such as jumping rope, playing soccer, lifting weights, or participating in organized sports. Physical activity programs that students participate in outside of school are not the same as PE instructional programs. Such physical activity programs typically provide opportunities for students to develop skills in a single area and are not intended to provide instruction in the essential content areas and standards of PE.

It is ultimately the obligation of each district to determine how each particular class, as conducted in its district, supports its course of study for grades nine through twelve, inclusive. The course of study must include the eight required content areas and substantially meet the objectives and criteria of EC Section 33352(b)(7) and 5 CCR Section 10060. While it is not required that every class for which PE course credit is given includes all eight areas, each LEA is required to structure its course offerings such that all areas are included over the course of study offered to all students.

Each exemption is described below. 

Athletic: 
The Governing Board (or designee, if so designated by formal action of the Board as per Ed Code 35163), may grant a student an exemption from physical education when the student is in high school and is engaged in a school-sponsored, California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) athletic program, carried on wholly or partially after regular school hours (Education Code 51242). Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply and must use the appropriate district form. It is strongly recommended that students who have not received an exemption from 10 credits of PE by the end of 11th grade enroll in the required number of PE credits for their 12th grade year. Upon formal verification of successful participation, students can earn exemption from five course units of physical education for each season of sport during grades 9-12, up to a maximum of ten (10) PE course units. 9th grade PE is a required course for all students, so exemptions pertain to PE courses that would be taken in grades 10-12.

Once verified and signed by the counselor and principal or designee, the proposed exemptions will be brought to the Governing Board or designee for approval. If approved, PE course exemption(s) will be recorded on the student’s transcript. The total number of course units required for graduation is not changed by this exemption [BP 6146.1]. The PE Course Exemption for CIF Athletics Participation Application and Verification form can be found in the Exhibit for AR 6142.7.

Permanent:
“The 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 complies with any one of the following: 

(1) Is sixteen years of age or older and has been enrolled in the 10th grade for one academic year or longer. 

(2) Is enrolled as a postgraduate pupil. 

(3) Is enrolled in a juvenile home, ranch, camp, or forestry camp school where pupils are scheduled for recreation and exercise pursuant to the requirements of Section 4346 of Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations.” (EC Section 51241 [c][1][2][3])

9th grade PE is a state and district requirement for all students.