Physical education constitutes an essential part of the educational curriculum of the Cobb County School District (District). It plays a significant role in the total development of all students through its unique contribution to their physiological development. The program shall be maintained in compliance with state requirements. Physical education shall be provided for all students K-12 and will help students develop a life-long physically active lifestyle. This Rule supports the intent of the Administrative Rule EFJ (Wellness).

RULE:

A. INSTRUCTION:

    1. Curriculum:

        The physical education curriculum shall be directly related to the needs and

       interests appropriate for the growth, development, and maturity level of each student

       involved. The comprehensive physical education program shall endeavor to align with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) Standards and include two major areas:

       a. Class instruction; and

       b. Extra-class activities (i.e. intramural, extra-murals, field days).

   2. Teacher Qualifications:

        Physical education instruction will be provided by a teacher who is certified in physical

       education.

   3. Class Size:

       Class sizes shall not exceed the limitations set forth in state laws, rules and guidance.

      Additionally, the District will maintain the standards set by the Southern Association

      of College and Schools (SACS). Smaller class sizes should be scheduled as much as

      possible to ensure quality instruction.

    4. State Requirements:

        The District will provide a physical education program that complies with state laws,

       rules and guidance. Additionally, this program will comply with Cobb Performance

       Standards.

    5. Preservation of Class Time:

        a. Physical education will not be withheld from students as a form of punishment or as

           a means to provide additional instructional time.

       b. Physical activity or recess will not be withheld regularly from students as a form of

           punishment.

    6. Physical Activity:

        a. Students shall be given opportunities for physical activity through a range of

            before- during and/or after-school programs including recess, intramurals,

            interscholastic athletics, and physical activity clubs and related community

            activities.

        b. Physical activities that expose students to rhythm, balance, cross lateral activities,
           and activities that make the heart beat faster can have positive impacts on a
           students’ academic success and should be incorporated into physical education
           programs where appropriate.
       c. Recess, while separate and distinct from physical education, supports the District’s
           physical activity and movement philosophy. The District encourages classroom
           teachers, parents and community members to provide opportunities for students to
           engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity daily where appropriate.

    7. Staff Training:

        The District will provide training to enable teachers and other school staff to promote

        enjoyable physical activities among students.

B. SAFETY:

    1. Supervision:

        Teachers and other designated staff should supervise physical education activities.

    2. Adventure Activities:

        The adventure activities unit in the 8th grade curriculum should be taught only

        by instructors who have been professionally trained to conduct such activities.

    3. Inspection:

          All physical education apparatus should be inspected annually by the principal, or his
        designee, and maintained in safe working condition.

    4. Playgrounds:

        a. All playground equipment should be inspected monthly by the physical education

            staff.

        b. Any time a dangerous situation is identified a work order should be submitted

            immediately to the Maintenance and Operations.

        c. All school personnel responsible for supervising students on the playground  

           should receive an annual review of safety guidelines related to playscapes and

           playground supervision. Principals should ensure proper supervision of students is

           maintained. Guidelines will be distributed by the Supervisor of Health and Physical

           Education.

     5. Cold Weather Guidelines:

         When the outside temperature or wind chill factor is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below:

          a. Physical Education classes should remain indoors.

          b. Classroom teachers may take students outside for a break of not more than 15

              minutes and students must wear appropriate clothing.

C. DRESS:

    1. Attire for participation in physical education activities at all grade levels shall permit

        freedom of movement, safe participation, and will not damage equipment or facilities.

    2. Elementary School:

        Elementary students, though not required to dress out, shall provide for appropriate

        clothing to allow participation in such activities as gymnastics and tumbling without

        embarrassment when such activities are scheduled.

    3. Middle/High Schools:

        The required dress standard for most physical education activity classes in the middle

        and high schools shall be shorts, shirts, socks, and sneakers.

    4. Students may be required to "dress out" even if excused from active participation in

        an instructional unit, if in the judgment of the teacher it will not jeopardize the health

        of those students.

D. EXCUSES:

    1. An excuse in physical education from total participation of any duration or restrictive

        participation beyond five consecutive days after returning to school shall be confirmed

        by a physician's statement specifying the type of illness or injury and the nature and

        duration of the restriction. Excuses should indicate what a student can do in order for

        the physical educator to modify instruction for that student.

    2. Chiropractor's excuses will be recognized in regard to problems of the skeletal

       framework, sprains and muscular difficulties. However, excuses related to colds, sinus

       conditions and other illnesses generally treated by medical doctors should not be

       accepted from chiropractors.

Adopted: 8/9/78
Reclassified an Administrative Rule: 9/1/04
Revised: 4/28/83; 8/8/84; 7/28/94; 7/27/06