3.9.2 Physical Education

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 PE Master Plan, the Board strongly encourages the continued provision of PE at all grade levels as described in the PE Master Plan, including 100 minutes of physical education and physical activity per week for kindergarten students.  (BP 6142.7)

To fulfill the requirement for high school graduation, students must take two years of physical education and earn 20 credits unless otherwise exempted under Board Policy. 

The course of study in physical education must include a developmentally appropriate sequence of instruction, including 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. (CA Education Code 33357(b)(7)).  

The CA PE Framework refers to the two-year sequence as Course 1 (9th grade) and Course 2 (10th grade). 

Under the CA PE Framework, Course 1 includes aquatics, rhythms and dance, individual and dual sports, and the effects of physical activity on dynamic health. 

Course 2 includes gymnastics and tumbling, combative sports, team sports, and mechanics of body movement. 

Students entering SFUSD as juniors or seniors in high school who require physical education credits will be enrolled in a grade-level and developmentally appropriate PE course.   

Students who have been granted a permanent exemption from physical education in grades 11-12, must be offered a variety of elective physical education courses of not less than 400 minutes each 10 school days. (BP 6142.7, Education Code 33352(b)(6), 51222(b))

Physical education instruction shall be delivered by appropriately credentialed teachers who may be assisted by instructional aides, paraprofessionals, and/or volunteers. (BP 6142.7)