Physical Education FAQs

Physical Education
Teacher Credentialing
Courses and Instructional Minutes
Instructional Minutes and Alternate Term Schedules
High School Physical Education Requirements
Student Grades
Exemptions from Physical Education
Environmental Factors
Coaches
Aquatics Instruction
Dressing and Lockers
Charter Schools and Physical Education
Physical Fitness Test
Pupil Fees
Uniform Complaint Procedures
Independent Study
COVID-19 and Physical Education

Physical Education

1. What is Physical Education?
   
   Physical Education (PE) advances students' knowledge of how their bodies move and how to perform a variety of physical activities. Students learn the health-related benefits of regular physical activity and the skills to adopt a physically active, healthy lifestyle. The discipline provides learning experiences that meet the developmental needs of students. PE improves physical and mental health, supports academic performance, teaches important life skills, counteracts sedentary lifestyles, and provides equity in access to physical activities.
   
   
2. Why is PE taught in California public schools?
   
   PE contributes significantly to every student’s health and well-being. It is an instructional priority for California schools. Every student, regardless of disability, ethnicity, gender, native language, race, religion, or sexual orientation, is entitled to a high-quality PE program. PE is an integral part of the overall education program for every student and provides one of the few opportunities students have to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to lead a physically active lifestyle. A high-quality PE program promotes an active lifestyle, improved health, motor skill development, and better cognitive performance.
   
   Daily PE for all students is recommended by numerous national associations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Association for State Boards of Education, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Heart Association.
   
   Students who become skilled and knowledgeable in PE are more likely to become healthy adults who are motivated to remain healthy and physically active throughout their lives.
   
   PE is a part of the coordinated school health system program. It is the component that addresses each student’s fundamental need for planned, sequential instruction that promotes lifelong physical activity and attitudes and behaviors that reduce health risks.
   
   
3. What is the difference between physical education and physical activity?
   
   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 broadly-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.
   
   Recess periods provide students with opportunities for unstructured physical activity time during the school day. These breaks from classroom activities may enhance participation and learning in the classroom, aside from the benefits gained from additional physical activity.
   
   Intramural sports programs provide opportunities for students to be physically active and apply PE learning outside of the curricular program. In addition, intramural programs give students opportunities to implement the skills and knowledge gained in PE.
   
   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 with 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. The Center for Disease Control and Intervention encourages children ages three through five to be physically active, such as by jumping or riding a tricycle, throughout the day for growth and development. Children and adolescents age six through seventeen need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity each day, including aerobic activity, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening. 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.

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Teacher Credentialing

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

1. Who may provide instruction in PE to elementary, middle, and high school students?
   
   Education Code (EC) 44256 through 44258.7
   
   Single and Multiple subject instruction 44256
   
   “A teacher who is authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned, with his [or her] consent, to teach any subject in his [or her] authorized fields at any grade level; preschool; kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive; or in classes organized primarily for adults, and similarly, a teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned, with his [or her] consent, to teach in any self-contained classroom; preschool; kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive; or in classes organized primarily for adults; and similarly, a teacher authorized as a specialist teacher may be assigned, with his [or her] consent, to teach in his [or her] area of specialization at any grade level; preschool; kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive; or in classes organized primarily for adults” (EC 44258).
   
   “The holder of a credential authorizing instruction in a self-contained classroom may teach in any of grades 5 to 8, inclusive, in a middle school, provided that he or she teaches two or more subjects for two or more periods per day to the same group of pupils, and, in addition, may teach any of the subjects he or she already is teaching to a separate group of pupils at the same grade level as those pupils he or she already is teaching for an additional period or periods, provided that the additional period or periods do not exceed one-half of the teacher's total assignment” (EC 44258.1).
   
   
2. May an instructional aide or non-credentialed volunteer provide PE instruction?
   
   Instruction must be provided by a teacher who holds an appropriate credential which permits him or her to deliver PE instruction. Instructional aides may only assist the credentialed teacher (EC sections 45340 through 45349 ).
   
   
3. May a teacher credentialed in another subject coach a competitive sport for which students receive PE course credit?
   
   Yes, see EC 44258.7(b).
   
   “A person who holds a teaching credential in a subject or subjects other than physical education may be authorized by action of the local governing board to coach one period per day in a competitive sport for which students receive physical education credit, provided that he or she is a full-time employee of the school district and has completed a minimum of 20 hours of first aid instruction appropriate for the specific sport."
   
   
4. May a teacher credentialed in a subject other than PE teach a PE course?
   
   Yes, see EC Section 44258.7(c).
   
   “A teacher employed on a full-time basis who teaches kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and who has special skills and preparation outside of his or her credential authorization may, with his or her consent, be assigned to teach an elective course in the area of the special skills or preparation, provided that the assignment is first approved by a committee on assignments. For purposes of this subdivision, an "elective course" is a course other than English, mathematics, science, or social studies."
   
   
5. Who is on the committee on assignments?
   
   EC 44258.7(c) and (d)
   
   “The membership of the committee on assignments shall include an equal number of teachers, selected by teachers, and school administrators, selected by school administrators.”

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Courses and Instructional Minutes

Elementary School

1. What is the course of study for grades one through six?
   
   The selection of a course of study for grades one through six, inclusive, is the responsibility of local governing boards of education. The course of study selected and implemented for PE, beginning in grade one and continuing through grade six, must include instruction with an "emphasis upon the physical activities for the pupils that may be conducive to health and vigor of body and mind, for a total period of time of not less than 200 minutes each 10 schooldays, exclusive of recesses and the lunch period" (EC Section 51210[a][7]).
   
   The CDE provides both the Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve and the Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve that it recommends local governing boards use to guide their choice of courses of study for PE programs. Both documents are available on the CDE Curriculum and Instruction web page.
   
   
2. How many minutes of PE instruction must students in grades one through six receive?
   
   Students in grades one through six, inclusive, must be provided with PE instruction with an "emphasis upon the physical activities for the pupils that may be conducive to health and vigor of body and mind, for a total period of time of not less than 200 minutes each 10 schooldays, exclusive of recesses and the lunch period" (EC Section 51210[a][7]).
   
   
3. What are the required instructional minutes for an elementary school maintaining any of grades one through eight?
   
   If a school is identified as an elementary school in the County-District-School code system, EC Section 51223(a) states that, “Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 51210 and 51222, instruction in physical education in an elementary school maintaining any of grades 1 to 8 shall be for a total period of time of not less than 200 minutes each 10 schooldays, exclusive of recesses and the lunch period."

Middle School and High School

1. What is the course of study for grades seven through twelve?
   
   EC Section 51220 states that, "The adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall offer courses in the following areas of study: (d) Physical education, with emphasis given to physical activities that are conducive to health and to vigor of body and mind, as required by Section 51222."
   
   
2. How many minutes of PE instruction must students in grades seven through twelve receive?
   
   Notwithstanding EC Section 51223(a), “All pupils, except pupils excused or exempted pursuant to Section 51241, shall be required to attend upon the courses of physical education for a total period of time of not less than 400 minutes each 10 schooldays” (EC Section 51222[a]).

High School

1. What are the state high school graduation requirements for PE?
   
   The minimum requirement for graduation is two courses in PE. EC Section 51225.3(a) states, “A pupil shall complete all of the following while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school: At least the following numbers of courses in the subjects specified, each course having a duration of one year, unless otherwise specified:” (EC Section 51225.3[a][1]) “Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to the provisions of this code” (EC Section 51225.3[a][1][F]).
   
   
2. What is the required course content for high school students enrolled in PE?
   
   The course of study adopted by LEAs must include PE for grades one through six, inclusive, (EC Section 51210[a][7]) and for grades seven through twelve, inclusive (EC Section 51220[d]). These statutes specify that the PE course of study must include an emphasis upon those physical activities that may be “conducive to health and vigor of body and mind.”
   
   EC Section 51220(d) and EC Section 33352(b)(7) together require that each LEA offers a course of study in PE for grades nine through twelve, inclusive, that includes a developmentally appropriate sequence of instruction in the eight required content areas over the span of the PE classes offered as part of the school’s course of study. The law does not specify that every class must include instruction in all eight areas, but rather it speaks to a course of study over grades nine through twelve that includes all eight areas.
   
   Along with EC Section 33352(b)(7), Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations (5 CCR) Section 10060(a) outlines the criteria upon which each school district shall evaluate students in its course of study for high school PE. “The course of study provides for instruction in a developmental sequence in each of the following areas:
   
   
   1. Effects of physical activity upon dynamic health
   2. Mechanics of body movement
   3. Aquatics
   4. Gymnastics and tumbling
   5. Individual and dual sports
   6. Rhythms and dance
   7. Team sports
   8. Combatives.” (5 CCR Section 10060[a])
      
      
   In addition, the Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools, High School Courses One and Two, convey a course model that includes the topics listed above.
   
   
3. Is there a particular requirement of course content in order for a course to be awarded PE credit? (as a part of a broader course of study in PE)
   
   In making the determination of whether to award PE credit for any given activity or class, EC Section 51220(d) and EC Section 33352(b)(7) together require that each LEA offers a course of study in PE for grades nine through twelve, inclusive, that includes instruction in the eight required content areas over the span of the PE courses offered as part of the school’s course of study. The law does not specify that every class must include instruction in all eight areas, but rather it speaks to a course of study over grades nine through twelve that includes all eight areas. It is ultimately the obligation of each LEA to determine how each particular class, as conducted in its district, supports its course of study for grades nine through twelve. 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.
   
   In addition, it is important to note that EC Section 33352(b) requires each LEA to meet additional responsibilities should the LEA decide to award PE credit for a particular course. These responsibilities include the provision of minimum instructional minutes, various reporting requirements, and the assignment of an appropriately credentialed teacher.
   
   
4. If high school courses provide students with physical activity, but do not meet the content requirements, can those courses be used to meet PE requirements?
   
   It is ultimately the obligation of each LEA 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.
   
   
5. May a student be granted PE course credit for participation in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)/Cadet Corps?
   
   It is ultimately the obligation of each LEA to determine how each particular class, as conducted in its district, supports its course of study for grades nine through twelve, inclusive. Whether JROTC/Cadet Corps may be awarded PE credit is the decision of the local governing board. In making this decision, the local board may consider the district’s course outline of the JROTC/Cadet Corps, the PE model content standards and framework, and the 2009 letter from the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
   
   
6. May a student be granted PE course credit, or an exemption under EC Section 51242, for participation in marching band?
   
   It is ultimately the obligation of each LEA to determine how each particular class, as conducted in its district, supports its course of study for grades nine through twelve, inclusive. Whether marching band may be awarded PE credit is the decision of the local governing board. In making this decision, the local board may consider the district’s course outline of the marching band, the visual and performing arts content standards and framework, the PE model content standards and framework, and the 2009 letter from the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
   
   
7. Does a school need to write specific policy regarding high school graduation requirements for PE, or should it just put the EC into its local governing board policy?
   
   The governing board of a school district or the County Office of Education superintendent of schools determines the local governing board policy. Local educational agencies (LEAs) should contact their legal counsel for additional assistance on this issue. The California School Boards Association website provides guidance to districts on establishing policies.

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Instructional Minutes and Alternate Term Schedules

EC 51222(c)

1. What is an Alternate Term Schedule?
   
   The alternate term schedule is another choice for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to use to help students free up their schedules to add another class. An alternate term schedule will allow the students in grades 6 to 12 to complete the required PE instructional minutes on an “alternate term” schedule that is no less than 18 weeks.
   
   
2. How many weeks must an Alternate Term Schedule last?
   
   The alternate term must be no less than 18 weeks in duration.
   
   
3. How many total instructional PE minutes are required for grade six?
   
   Students in grade six must receive no less than 400 minutes of PE instruction each ten school days that total a minimum of 3,600 PE instructional minutes for the school year.
   
   
4. How many total instructional PE minutes are required for grades seven through twelve?
   
   Students in grades seven through twelve must receive no less than 800 minutes of PE instruction each ten school days that total a minimum of 7,200 PE instructional minutes for the school year.
   
   
5. Can a K–8 school that is designated as an elementary school utilize an alternate term schedule for grade six?
   
   Yes, a K–8 school that is designated as an elementary school may enact an alternate term schedule for grade 6. If the LEA chooses to do so, the LEA must provide pupils in grade six a time of not less than 400 minutes of PE instruction each 10 school days for a semester of not fewer than 18 weeks during a regular school year, for a total of 3,600 PE instructional minutes for the school year.
   
   
6. Can a K–8 school that is designated as an elementary school utilize an alternate term schedule for grades seven through eight?
   
   Yes, a K–8 school that is designated as an elementary school may enact an alternate term schedule for grades seven through eight. If the LEA chooses to do so, the LEA must provide pupils in grades seven through eight a time of not less than 800 minutes of PE instruction each 10 school days for a semester of not fewer than 18 weeks during a regular school year, for a total of 7,200 PE instructional minutes for the school year.

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High School Physical Education Requirements

Are PE instructional minutes required in high school?

Yes, all pupils, except pupils excused or exempted pursuant to Section 51241, shall be required to attend upon the courses of PE for a total period of time of not less than 400 minutes each 10 schooldays, except as provided in subdivision (c). Any pupil may be excused from PE classes during one of grades 10, 11, or 12 for not to exceed 24 clock hours in order to participate in automobile driver training. A pupil who is excused from PE classes to enroll in driver training shall attend upon a minimum of 7,000 minutes of PE instruction during such school year (EC 51222(a) , EC 51241 ).

If an LEA is on an alternate term schedule, see Instructional Minutes and Alternate Team Schedules on this web page.

1. When a student completes the PE course of study minimum graduation requirement, do they still need to receive PE instructional minutes?
   
   Yes, all pupils, except pupils excused or exempted pursuant to Section 51241, shall be required to attend upon the courses of PE for a total period of time of not less than 400 minutes each 10 schooldays [EC 51222(a) ].
   
   If an LEA is on an alternate term schedule, see Instructional Minutes and Alternate Team Schedules on this web page.
   
   
2. What is the minimum PE course of study graduation requirement for students in grades nine through twelve, inclusive.
   
   A pupil shall complete at least two courses, each course having a duration of one year, in PE, unless the pupil has been exempted (EC 51225.3(a)(1)(F) ).
   
   
3. What is the required course content for high school students enrolled in PE?
   
   For PE, the course of study for grades nine through twelve, inclusive, includes a developmentally appropriate sequence of instruction in the eight required content areas, and emphasizes physical activities that are conducive to health and to vigor of body and mind. The law does not specify that every class must include instruction in all eight areas, but rather, it speaks to a course of study. Students must have the opportunity to complete the PE course of study within the two courses, each being one year (EC 51225.3).
   
   The course of study provides for instruction in a developmental sequence in each of the following areas: Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools (DOC), California Physical Education Framework for Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (PDF):
   
   
   1. Effects of physical activity upon dynamic health
   2. Mechanics of body movement
   3. Aquatics
   4. Gymnastics and tumbling
   5. Individual and dual sports
   6. Rhythms and dance
   7. Team sports
   8. Combatives
      
      
4. What is evaluated in the course of study?
   
   Along with EC Section 33352(b)(7), Title 5 of CCR Section 10060(a) outlines the criteria upon which each school district shall evaluate students in its course of study for high school PE.
   
   
5. Is there a particular requirement of course content in order for a course to be awarded PE credit?
   
   While it is not required that all eight content areas are included in every class for which PE course credit is given, each LEA is required to structure its course offerings such that all areas are included over the course of study that is offered to all students.
   
   Should a LEA decide to award PE credit for a specific course, the LEA must meet certain requirements which may include the following (EC 33352(b) , EC 51220.(d) , EC 51222 ):
   
   
• Provisions of minimum instructional minutes
• Requirements for report
• Assignment of an appropriately credentialed teacher
• Instruction that occurs during the regular school day
• Classes that are inclusive/open to all students
  
  
6. May a student be granted PE course credit for participation in JROTC/Cadet Corps, Marching Band/Color Guard, and Cheerleading?
   
   It is the decision of the local governing board as to whether the courses listed above may award PE credit. In making this decision, the local board may consider the district’s course outlines, the PE Model Content Standards, the PE Framework, and the 2009 State Superintendent PE Program Letter.
   
   Also, see PE FAQ High School PE Graduation Requirement Question #6.
   
   
7. Does a school need to write specific policy regarding high school graduation requirements for PE, or should it just put the EC into its local governing board policy?
   
   LEAs should contact their Legal Counsel for assistance on this item.

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Student Grades

1. Can a student’s PE grade be changed?
   
   EC 49066(a) and 49066 (b)
   
   (a) When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a school district, the grade given to each pupil shall be the grade determined by the teacher of the course and the determination of the pupil’s grade by the teacher, in the absence of clerical or mechanical mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency, shall be final.
   
   (b) The governing board of the school district and the superintendent of such district shall not order a pupil’s grade to be changed unless the teacher who determined such grade is, to the extent practicable, given an opportunity to state orally, in writing, or both, the reasons for which such grade was given and is, to the extent practicable, included in all discussions relating to the changing of such grade.
   
   
2. Can a student fail PE for not wearing standardized PE apparel?
   
   EC 49066(c)
   
   (c) No grade of a pupil participating in a PE class, however, may be adversely affected due to the fact that the pupil does not wear standardized PE apparel where the failure to wear such apparel arises from circumstances beyond the control of the pupil.

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Exemptions from Physical Education

1. When discussing the requirements surrounding PE, what is meant by an Exemption?
   
   An exemption, for the purpose of PE, refers to a process by which a governing board of an LEA or the superintendent of a COE may excuse a particular pupil from attending courses in PE if specified criteria are met.
   
   
2. PE Exemptions are not required by law, apply to pupils in grades nine through twelve, have their own criteria, and must be approved on an individual basis, not as a whole class/grade. What exemptions are available under EC?
   
   
   1. Temporary:
      
      "The governing board of a school district or the office of the county superintendent of schools of a county may grant a temporary exemption to a pupil from courses in PE, if the pupil is one of the following:
      
      
      • Ill or injured and a modified program to meet the needs of the pupil cannot be provided.
      • Enrolled for one-half, or less, of the work normally required of full-time pupils" (EC Section 51241(a)(1)(2) ).
        
        
   2. 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 16 years of age or older and has been enrolled in grade 10 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 Article 24 (commencing with Section 880) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code” (EC Section 51241(c)(1)(2)(3) ).
      
      Two-Year Exemptions are not permitted due to the action that made permanent the amendments to section 1040 of 5 CCR.
      
      
   3. Athletic:
      
      "The governing board of a school district may exempt any four-year or senior high school pupil from attending courses of physical education, if the pupil is engaged in a regular school-sponsored interscholastic athletic program carried on wholly or partially after regular school hours.”
      
      
   4. Under EC Section 51222(a) , “Any pupil may be excused from physical education classes during one of grades 10, 11, or 12 for not to exceed 24 clock hours in order to participate in automobile driver training. Such pupil who is excused from physical education classes to enroll in driver training shall attend upon a minimum of 7,000 minutes of physical education instruction during such school year.”
      
      
   5. Under EC Section 52316 , “Any pupil enrolled in grade 10, 11, or 12, and who is also attending a regional occupational center or regional occupational program may be excused from attending courses in physical education by the governing board of the school district maintaining grade 10, 11, or 12, and in which the pupil is enrolled, if attendance upon such classes results in hardship because of travel time involved. If a pupil is excused from physical education classes pursuant to this section, the minimum schoolday for him [or her] in his [or her] regular high school is 180 minutes."
      
      
   6. Under EC Section 51246 , "The governing board of a school district may exempt any pupil enrolled in his [or her] last semester or quarter, as the case may be, of the 12th grade who, pursuant to EC Section 46145 or 46147, is permitted to attend school less than 240 or 180 minutes per day, from attending courses of physical education; provided, however, that such pupil may not be exempted pursuant to this section from attending courses of physical education if such pupil would, after such exemption, attend school for 240 minutes or more per day."
      
      
3. Who can exempt a student from PE?
   
   ECs 51241(a), 51241(c) , and 51242 specifically identify who has the authority to take action regarding PE Exemptions. If individuals other than those identified in EC are in School Board Policy, review EC 35161 and EC 35163 .
   
   
4. What PE courses shall be available for high school students who have been exempted from two years of PE?
   
   A pupil exempted shall not attend fewer total hours of courses and classes than they would have prior to the approval of the PE Exemption.
   
   "The governing board of each school district that maintains a high school and that elects to exempt pupils from required attendance in physical education courses pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) or both of subdivision (b) of Section 51241 shall offer those pupils so exempted a variety of elective physical education courses of not less than 400 minutes each 10 schooldays" (EC Section 51222[b]).

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Environmental Factors

1. When should PE instruction be modified or moved indoors due to environmental factors?
   
   Because of California's diverse climate conditions, these decisions are best made by LEAs, often with the assistance of other local agencies that monitor air quality and weather. Unhealthy air quality, extreme temperatures, high winds, etc. may present conditions where it is appropriate to modify activity levels or move PE instruction indoors.

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Coaches

Temporary Athletic Team Coach Certification.

1. What is a temporary athletic team coach?
   
   5 CCR, Section 5590
   
   A "temporary athletic team coach" is a certificated or non-certificated employee, other than a substitute employee, hired to supervise or instruct interscholastic athletic activities as a temporary employee in a limited assignment capacity. The term is applicable to a certificated employee who supervises or instructs interscholastic athletic activities in addition to his or her regular assignment.
   
   
2. What are the certification requirements of a temporary athletic team coach?
   
   See 5 CCR, Section 5593
   
   
3. How do local boards of education certify their temporary athletic team coaches?
   
   See 5 CCR, Section 5594
   
   Submit one of the following:
   
   
   • CDE-provided Temporary Athletic Team Coach Certification Form
   • Districts-created letter than includes the following information:
     
     
     • District name
     • School year of the Temporary Athletic Team Coach Certificate (PDF)
     • Statement that the local board certifies that the conditions of 5 CCR, Section 5593 have been met
     • Name of the person signing for the local board
     • Signature of the person signing for the local board
     • Date signed
       
       
   Please mail signed Certification to:
   
   State Board of Education/California Department of Education
   Attn: Temporary Athletic Team Coach Certificate
   Professional Learning Support and Monitoring Office
   1430 N Street, Suite 4309
   Sacramento, CA 95814-5901

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Aquatics Instruction

1. If a school site does not have a pool or access to a pool, is aquatics instruction required to be provided as part of the eight required content areas of high school PE instruction?
   
   Yes, even if the school site does not have a pool or access to a pool, aquatics can still be taught. Instruction can be provided on water safety rescue techniques, dry-land strokes, kick practice, and buoyancy principles. (See Chapter 4 of the Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools)
   
   
2. May students be charged any fees for accessing pool facilities off site when for PE instruction?
   
   No, LEAs may not charge student fees for accessing pool facilities off site when for PE instruction.
   
   California Constitution, Article IX, Section 5, adopted 1879
   
   5 CCR section 350
   
   
3. When teachers provide instruction in aquatics, what kind of certifications must they hold?
   
   CDE Pool Safety Guidelines
   
   California Health and Safety Code Section 116033 requires that anyone “providing aquatic instruction, including, but not limited to, swimming instruction, water safety instruction, water contact activities, and competitive aquatic sports, at a public swimming pool shall possess current certificates from an American Red Cross or YMCA of the U.S.A. lifeguard training program, or have equivalent qualifications…In addition, these persons shall be certified in standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation."

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Dressing and Lockers

1. Must a district require students to change clothes for PE instruction?
   
   This is a decision of the school district. Each LEA needs to establish a PE dress policy for its district. It is appropriate for students to change their clothes for hygiene, safety, and movement efficiency purposes.
   
   
2. May a student's grade be affected if the student does not wear standardized PE apparel?
   
   EC Section 49066(c) states, "no grade of a pupil participating in a physical education class may be adversely affected due to the fact that the pupil does not wear standardized physical education apparel where the failure to wear such apparel arises from circumstances beyond the control of the pupil."
   
   
3. Must a district provide locker room facilities for student use?
   
   EC does not address requirements for schools to build or utilize locker room facilities for student use. Students should be provided with appropriate locations to change their clothes for physical activity.
   
   
4. Is supervision required while students are in locker rooms?
   
   Yes. The California Constitution guarantees California children the right to attend public schools that are safe, secure, and peaceful. Locker rooms must be supervised by a school staff member. Locker rooms should be safe, clean, and provide privacy. All measures should be taken to provide an appropriate location. School districts and schools are responsible for decisions related to supervising locker rooms.

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Charter Schools and Physical Education

1. Does a charter school have to administer the PFT?
   
   Yes, all charter schools, whether they have PE included in the charter or not, must administer the PFT to all students in grades five, seven, and nine as required by EC 60800 and 5 CCR Section 1040 .

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Physical Fitness Test

For PE Monitoring, the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) participation rates and inclusion of these numbers is found on the School Accountability Report Card. Questions outside of this scope should be directed to the PFT Office.

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Pupil Fees

EC 49010–49014

CDE Fiscal Management Advisory

A pupil enrolled in a public school shall not be required to pay a pupil fee for participation in an educational activity. “Educational activity” is defined as an activity offered by a school, school district, charter school, or county office of education that constitutes an integral fundamental part of elementary and secondary education, including, but not limited to, curricular and extracurricular activities. “Pupil fee” is defined as a fee, deposit or charge imposed on pupils, or a pupil’s parents or guardians, including, but not limited to:

• A fee charged to a pupil as a condition for registering for school or classes, or as a condition for participation in a class or an extracurricular activity, regardless of whether the class or activity is elective or compulsory, or is for credit.
• A security deposit, or other payment, that a pupil is required to make to obtain a lock, locker, book, class apparatus, musical instrument, uniform, or other materials or equipment.
• A purchase that a pupil is required to make to obtain materials, supplies, equipment, or uniforms associated with an educational activity.
• All the following apply to the prohibition on pupil fees described above:
• All supplies, materials, and equipment needed to participate in educational activities shall be provided to pupils free of charge.
• A fee waiver policy shall not make a pupil fee permissible.
• School districts and schools shall not establish a two-tier educational system by requiring a minimal educational standard and also offering a second, higher educational standard that pupils may only obtain through payment of a fee or purchase of additional supplies that the school district or school does not provide.
• A school district or school shall not offer course credit or privileges related to educational activities in exchange for money or donations of goods or services from a pupil or a pupil’s parents or guardians, and a school district or school shall not remove course credit or privileges related to educational activities, or otherwise discriminate against a pupil, because the pupil’s parents or guardians did not or will not provide money or donations of goods or services to the school district or school.

1. If a student owes payment to the public school or school district, such as for a lost PE lock and/or PE uniform, can the school prohibit the student from attending or participating in school activities?
   
   No; EC 49014(b) states: A public school or school district shall not, because of a debt owed to the public school or school district, take negative action against a pupil or former pupil, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
   
   (1) Denying full credit for any assignments for a class.
   
   (2) Denying full and equal participation in classroom activity.
   
   (3) Denying access to on-campus educational facilities, including, but not limited to, the library.
   
   (4) Denying or withholding grades or transcripts.
   
   (5) Denying or withholding a diploma.
   
   (6) Limiting or barring participation in an extracurricular activity, club, or sport.
   
   (7) Limiting or excluding from participation in an educational activity, field trip, or school ceremony.

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Uniform Complaint Procedures

1. Is PE subject to the Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) complaint process?
   
   Yes, PE and pupil fees are subject to the UCP complaint process. A complaint may be filed with the local school district for the following:
   
   
   • PE Instructional Minutes per EC sections 51210, 51222, and 51223
   • Pupil Fees that apply to PE. (EC sections 49010–49011 )

For more information on UCP, visit the CDE UCP web page.

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Independent Study

For more information on physical education requirements for independent study, please see the CDE Independent Study web page and FAQs.

1. May a school offer Physical Education via Independent Study?
   
   Yes, PE may be offered via Independent study (IS), which is a voluntary alternative to classroom instruction consistent with a LEA's course of study and aligned with State content standards.  IS students must adhere to EC sections 51222, 51225.3, 51241, and 60800, the latter requiring all students in grades five, seven, and nine to be tested in the state’s PFT. Note: IS is offered at the option of the district, and not all districts offer this alternative instructional strategy.

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COVID-19 and Physical Education

1. During Executive Order N-56-20 due to the coronavirus, which waives the requirement of the PFT, are LEAs able to provide a temporary or permanent exemption from PE pursuant to EC Section 51241(b)(1)?
   
   EC Section 51241(b)(1) states:

   The governing board of a school district or the office of the county superintendent of schools of a county, with the consent of a pupil, the authority to grant a pupil an exemption from courses in physical education for two years anytime during grades ten to twelve, inclusive, if the pupil has met satisfactorily at least five of the six standards of the physical performance test administrated in grade nine pursuant to Section 60800.

   If an LEA could not administer the PFT in grade nine to a pupil in the 2019–20 school year, the pupil will not be eligible for a PE exemption in the 2020–21 school year pursuant to EC 51241(b)(1).

   Each governing board of a school district or the office of the county superintendent of schools of an LEA will need to determine what action(s), if any, to take regarding its policy for providing exemptions pursuant to EC 51241(b)(1) for the 2020–21 school year.

   NOTE: SB 820 continued the suspension of the PFT for the 2020–21 school year. If an LEA could not administer the PFT in grade nine to a pupil in the 2020–21 school year, the pupil will not be eligible for a PE exemption in the 2021–22 school year pursuant to EC 51241(b)(1).

2. During Executive Order N-56-20 due to the coronavirus and shift to distance learning, which waives the minimum instructional minutes in PE for grades one through twelve, are LEAs still required to provide PE instruction?
   
   EC sections 51210(a)(7) , 51220(d) , 51222 , and 51223 , requiring minimum instructional minutes in PE for grades one through twelve, are waived.

   Although the minimum instructional minutes for PE have been waived, PE requirements have not changed. LEAs will still be required to provide PE instruction and should provide distance learning options in alignment with local policy. Local policy will determine implementation of PE based on student need and access to resources.

3. What resources and guidance are available for the safe return of students to physical activity after exhibiting signs or symptoms of, or testing positive for COVID-19?
   
   It is important to understand the risks for returning to exercise and physical activity after exhibiting signs or symptoms of or testing positive for COVID-19. Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics varies according to the severity of COVID-19 symptoms the student experienced. Please visit the CDE COVID-19 Youth Health Information Act web page.

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