More states let students opt out of P.E. classes Learning Process

More states let students opt out of P.E. classes

Written on December 15, 2010 – 10:41 pm | by Christopher Tulloch

NASPE opposes waivers or exemptions from physical education classes, Kun says.

“Unfortunately, so many schools are having more and more waivers — particularly at the high school level,” Kun says. “The great majority of high school students are required to take physical education only one year out of the four. They get out for religious reasons, for ROTC, for marching band. There’s a whole slew of waiver possibilities.”

The increase in waivers stems from a push for students to take more courses and efforts within school districts to save money, says Stephen Jefferies, a Central Washington University professor of physical education and public health.

Some schools offer online physical education, NASPE President Lynn Couturier says. The online courses combine study about health and nutrition with exercise students do on their own.

The changes in Des Moines were made to bring the district into compliance with state regulations, says Elaine Watkins-Miller, a spokeswoman for the Iowa Department of Education. Iowa law requires students to take physical education all four years of high school, although school boards can grant waivers for students in interscholastic athletics.

At the district’s Roosevelt High School, the change affected up to 100 families, Roosevelt Principal Kathie Danielson says.

Waivers should be limited to upperclassmen who need them so they can complete all their graduation requirements, says Carol Greta, a lawyer for the Iowa Department of Education.

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