TAMALPAIS UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Larkspur, California

Course of Study

ELECTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION 

 I. INTRODUCTION

Elective Physical Education is a five-unit course open to all students, regardless of skill level.  This is not a single course, but rather, a flexible course of study which permits selection of specific physical activities (one or many) through which to develop the student learning outcomes described in Section II below. Rather than a separate course of study for each different offering, the Physical Education Department shall provide a short description for the Instruction Guide. The specific learning outcomes will be described for each offering as part of the course syllabus. Activities may be quite varied such as Modern Dance, Rock Climbing, Yoga,  Personal Fitness, Tennis, Basketball, Biking, Power Walking.
 
Building upon the foundation developed in Physical Education Core 1-4, Elective Physical Education is designed to provide a wide variety of semester-long, or variable credit, courses responsive to student interest and staff expertise.  Core 1-4 strives to develop self-directed students committed to maintaining a healthy, physically active life by providing them with the knowledge and skills to design their own healthy lifestyle, fitness, and nutritional plans. Elective Physical Education gives students the opportunity, within the structure of their regular school day, to pursue their individual goals by learning new activities, participating in a regularly scheduled program of physical activity, and/or developing their abilities in activities of choice with the support of a certificated Physical Education teacher.     

Physical activity is an excellent antidote for stress.  Students are reporting an increased level of stress associated with busy schedules (both within and outside of school) and demanding academic loads. By providing Elective Physical Education, all students have the opportunity to structure time for essential physical activity, even if they do not participate in athletics or out-of-school programs.  

Also, many students are kinesthetic learners. Most of the school day is not designed for their preferred learning modality, so this course offers a much needed contrast to the rest of the student’s daily schedule.  Many students benefit from practicing responsibility, teamwork, communication, and social interaction skills through physical activity rather than classroom work. Some students will experience more success and competence in physical rather than mental activity, so this course provides opportunities to enhance self-confidence and esteem. Also, some students with attention problems or special needs may find it helpful to have physical activity as part of their daily school schedule.  	

This course addresses Student Learning Outcomes #14: Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and self-discipline necessary to achieve and maintain good health.

This course assumes the foundation of Core 1-4 and, as such, does not attempt to address all of the California Physical Education Framework goals, nor does it address all of the national standards. The Student Learning Outcomes in Section II below contain the primary standards being addressed in this course. 

II. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

A. Students will:

•	Demonstrate competency in many movement forms and proficiency in a few movement forms.
•	Applies movement concepts and principles to the learning and development of motor skills.
•	Achieves and maintains a health enhancing level of physical fitness.
•	Exhibits a physically active lifestyle.
•	Demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings.
•	Understands that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction.
•	Meet the specific learning outcomes established in the course syllabus for the specific Elective Physical Education offering. 

III. ASSESSMENT

	A. Student Assessment
	
Students will be given the course learning outcomes, grading criteria and course expectations, in writing, at the beginning of the course. Emphasis will be placed upon participation, effort, and improvement rather than skill level.

The variety of student assessment strategies used in Core 1-4 will be tailored to meet the needs of each type of Elective Physical Education course.  It is expected that teachers will continue to the students’ ability to set personal goals, monitor progress, and self-evaluate–all skills necessary for a lifetime of healthy fitness. 

	B. Course Assessment 

Elective Physical Education classes will be evaluated primarily on the basis of student feedback. Did the course meet a student need or interest?  Did it help students deepen their self-directing fitness planning skills?   Quantitative data such as course enrollments along with qualitative data such as the Perceptions Survey and course feedback surveys will be used.  The Physical Education Department will also examine enrollment patterns by subgroups such as gender and ethnicity to determine if the range of options is meeting all students’ needs.

IV. METHODS AND MATERIALS

	A. Methods
	
The same range of methods used in Core 1-4 will be used in Elective Physical Education. Depending upon the choice of activities, other methods may be used.

	B. Materials

There are no approved textbooks or supplementary books for Elective Physical Education. Teachers may select such materials to match the specific activities or foci of a particular offering.  If so, those textbooks and supplementary materials will be approved by the Board of Trustees using the established district procedures. 

C. Technology 
	
There is no requirement that Technology be integrated into Elective Physical Education. However, teachers are encouraged to build upon the foundation developed in Core 1-4 and to explore technologies appropriate for the specific activity offering.

	D. Suggested Instructional Time Allocation

Due to the varied nature of Elective Physical Education offerings, no time allocations are being recommended.  Each teacher will develop his/her own allocation to enable students to meet the course learning outcomes as specified in the course syllabus.

V. GENERAL INFORMATION

Elective Physical Education may be a 5-unit semester course or a variable credit course based upon time (1 unit requires about 15 hours of activity). Students may take up to 30 units of Elective Physical Education provided they are engaging in different activities or with the approval of the Department Chairperson.
  
	A. Prerequisites
	
There are no prerequisites for Elective P.E., however most students will have completed Core P.E. 1-4  prior to beginning the elective courses.

	B. Requirements Met

This course may be used as elective credit towards graduation but does not meet any specific graduation requirement.

	This course is not accepted towards any requirement for UC/CSU admissions.

Approved: 5/28/02