Physical Education

  • All Physical Education classes are based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Physical Education.

    Elementary Physical Education
    In Kindergarten-Grade 5, students learn fundamental movement skills and cues; begin to understand that the body functions in relation to physical activity; develop body control; become aware of the health-related fitness components; begin applying strategies, rules, etiquette, and conflict resolution techniques in dynamic situations; and identify safety practices and protocols while being physically active. Students engage in activities that develop basic levels of strength, endurance, and flexibility. Activities are presented to complement a student's natural inclination to view physical activity as challenging and enjoyable. 

    • Students must receive a total of 135 minutes of structured TEKS-based physical education/physical activity per week.

    Recess
    Senate Bill 530 requires the local School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) to consider and make policy recommendations to the district concerning the importance of daily recess for elementary school students. The council must consider research regarding unstructured and undirected play, academic and social development, and the health benefits of daily recess in making the recommendations. The council shall ensure that local community values are reflected in any policy recommendation made to the district under this subsection.

    Therefore, the Houston Independent School District recess guidelines are:

    • All elementary schools will provide 30 minutes of unstructured recess for grades PK-5.
    • The withholding of recess will not be used as punishment, nor for students to complete classwork or attend tutorials.
    • Each school should determine what time of day the recess should be scheduled and collaborate with the Physical Education teacher to develop building-level guidelines to ensure adequate supervision and safety precautions.
    • A certified educator must be responsible for monitoring students to prevent accidents.
    • Recess will be held outside if weather permits. In the case of inclement weather, each school will develop an alternative plan for recess.
    • Building principals will ensure that recess will be separate from the Physical Education program.
    • The building principal will ensure that both recess and physical education will be part of the daily program and scheduled as separate activities. Recess will not replace the structured physical activity provided through physical education.

    Middle School Physical Education Requirements
    In Grades 6-8 physical education, students apply sport concepts; recognize key elements for success; develop plans for health-related fitness, skill-related fitness, and skill improvement; apply knowledge of safety practices and self-management; and understand in greater detail the function of the body. Students learn to use technology to assist in measuring and monitoring personal Middle School §116.B. August 2022 Update Page 3 of 13 performance. An emphasis is placed on opportunities for participation, activity choices, enjoyment, and challenge, both in and out of school.  Students should also participate in laboratory experiences that stress skill-building techniques.

    It is strongly recommended that Physical Education be scheduled for two semesters each school year in grades 6, 7, and 8. However, Physical Education must be scheduled for no less than four semesters during the combined 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. To comply with these state Physical Education requirements, the HISD Health/Physical Education Department suggests the following schedule:

    • Grade 6 -2 Semesters
    • Grade 7 -1 Semester
    • Grade 8 -1 Semester

    High School Physical Education
    Physical Education at the high school offers current approaches for the foundation of personal fitness, physical literacy, lifetime wellness, and healthy living; opportunities for students to develop competency in five or more lifelong recreational and outdoor pursuits for enjoyment and challenge, including opportunities to demonstrate mastery in basic sport skills, basic sport knowledge, and health and fitness principles. 

    Physical Education must be offered in Grades 9-12 during all semesters. Students must complete one credit in Physical Education for graduation.

    Each school may offer the following physical education semester courses:

    • Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits
    • Lifetime Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits
    • Skills-Based Lifetime Activities