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Keeping Up With All The Changes

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 23, 2007

What has changed this school year with physical education?

Students in K-5 public schools are required to take 150 minutes of physical education every week. There is not a requirement for middle school students, but schools are encouraged to provide 225 minutes of physical education per week. High school physical education has been reduced from 2.5 semesters - including one semester of health - to two semesters of physical education, with health integrated.

Does that mean my child in elementary school has 30 minutes of physical education every day?

Not in Hillsborough. The law defines P.E. in broad terms of developing and maintaining skills related to movement and strength, and knowledge, skills and attitudes concerning nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

Why don't schools just add 30 minutes of daily physical education?

It is up to the school district. Hillsborough has determined that the time and money to provide a certified physical education teacher for 30 minutes a day would be prohibitive unless classes were very large. A few elementary schools do schedule physical activity for 30 minutes a day, however.

Is the physical education program the same at every school?

No. Hillsborough requires physical education with a certified physical education teacher for 30 minutes twice a week for first- through fifth-graders. Each school makes its own plans for the other 90 minutes with variations by teacher. The district provides activity lists and resources.

What about kindergarten?

Few schools have regular physical education classes for kindergarten. Most must fulfill the 150 minutes with a variety of activities.

What happened to recess?

Recess can be counted for part of the 150 minutes, but few Hillsborough schools have had regular recess for years. It is up to the schools, and many said they don't have the time with increased testing and academic pressures.

How do I find out what my child's class is doing?

Every Hillsborough elementary school has a plan that includes how it will meet the 150-minute requirement. Ask your principal or teacher.

Who keeps track of the 150 minutes?

Classroom teachers and physical education teachers are supposed to work together to document each student's time. Districts must report that information to the state. It is not clear how often or what form that will take or what the consequences are for erroneous reporting.

Are state changes planned?

The new law requires the state Department of Education to review and revise Florida's standards for physical education during the school year. If you are interested in the district program, contact Steve Vanoer at steve.vanoer@sdhc.k12.fl.us.

Sources: Florida Department of Education, Hillsborough County School District

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