What if the Physical Education (PE) department offered the same freedom and variety as the art department? Students are required to take two years of PE as a graduation requirement, compared to only one year of required art. PE should shift from a two-year requirement to one. Students should also have the option to take additional years to pursue more PE classes.
PE should also offer activities that fit other students’ interests and abilities. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, PE students should be able to sign up for the PE course that aligns with their fitness goals and abilities. This way, students can feel successful and more engaged.
This would allow students to take different courses they would otherwise not have had the time or means to take. Students could use the time to take college courses at the College of Marin (COM), explore electives in other departments, or even have a free period to manage their workload. This could provide flexibility for first and second-year students, allowing them to balance their schedules more effectively.
As a second-semester sophomore, I have been in the PE program for almost two years. I have observed that half of the students are engaged and interested, but the other half are not.
Examples of new PE electives could include a sports-focused class that lets students explore different games, learn strategies, and play competitively. Another course could center on weightlifting, teaching proper form and strength training techniques. A third option might focus on cardio activities like running, cycling, or swimming- ideal for students involved in endurance sports or looking to improve overall conditioning. This is very similar to the art department because in art, students can choose from various courses, such as drawing and painting, ceramics, photography, etc., and decide what they want to invest their time in.
Allowing students to choose their PE courses could increase engagement in class. According to PLT4M, an online resource for fitness instructors, “When physical education lacks variety and choice
Students often disengage. Schools that have introduced elective-based PE programs, like Arroyo Grande High School in California, have reported higher participation and enthusiasm for students.”
Students can feel discouraged when competing against more athletic classmates. By allowing students to enroll in PE classes that match their interests and abilities, all students can feel a sense of success because they can choose to participate in what they enjoy the most.
On the other hand, the Discoverer published by Columbus University points out that while PE electives can be beneficial, repetitively doing the same area of activity for an extended period of time can be repetitive and boring. This can lead to decreased motivation and reduced interest. This highlights the need for a balance within the elective system.
While the current PE program may not fully inspire or align with every student’s interests, it does have valuable components-such as the Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification unit and self-defense classes, that provide essential life skills and can be meaningful for all students. A revised elective system wouldn’t remove these essential elements but rather allow students to build on them by choosing the direction of their physical education. PE can be structured around broad themes so students can experience variety without falling into the same routine. This approach keeps the benefits of the current program while increasing engagement through choice and personalization.
Offering variety and choice in PE could make it more like the art department, boosting student engagement and making physical activity more enjoyable. A pilot program at Redwood could be the first step towards a more student-centered approach to PE, potentially setting a new standard for schools across the Tamalpais Union High School District.
Allowing students to choose electives that match their interests, fitness goals, and schedules will promote greater participation and be the first step towards more student choice.
