Physical Education

SHAPE America states that over the past two decades, PHYSICAL EDUCATION has undergone a transformation in rigor and focus and now is recognized as essential to a young person’s overall education experience and a foundation for lifelong healthy living. PE provides students with a planned, sequential, K-12 standards-based program of curricula and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge and behaviors for active living, physical fitness, sportsmanship, self-efficacy and emotional intelligence.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

The BPS Wellness Policy for PE states that physical education is a required subject for all students in grades PreK-12. Specific requirements by grade level are:

All student in grades PreK-8 must receive at least 45 minutes of weekly PE with an aim of 80 minutes of weekly PE
All students in grades 9-12 must receive at least one semester of PE each year

COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION POLICY

The Comprehensive Physical Education and Physical Activity Policy states that all schools should provide all students in all grades opportunities for physical activity, with 150 weekly minutes of physical activity in grades prek-8. Daily recess is expected for grades prek-8. Schools must provide at least 45 minutes per week of standards-based physical education in grades preK-8 and one semester per grade for all students in grades 9-12, taught by a licensed PE teacher. It is recommended in grades prek-8 for schools to provide at least 80 minutes of weekly PE.

BPS PHYSICAL EDUCATION FRAMEWORKS

This framework will serve as the guiding document for PE curriculum and instruction across the district in an effort to create high quality physical education. High quality PE is the cornerstone of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP). CSPAP defines PE as an academic subject that uses a planned, sequential program of curricula and instruction, based on standards, which results in all students, including those with disabilities, developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle. The K-12 PE learning standards found in this framework spiral and ensure students will develop skills in sports, recreation, fitness, leadership and working in teams. These skills develop student competence, a critical predictor of involvement in life-long physical activity. PE is the only place where all students are provided with the instruction they need to develop these skills.

Download a copy of the BPS Physical Education Curriculum Frameworks