A total of two years of Physical Education (PE) are required for students to graduate, according to the MHS website. As there are many sports programs and student-athletes, there should be an opportunity to earn PE credits for participating in after-school sports.
Although California requires 400 minutes of instruction according to the California Department of Education website, some school districts have allowed students to receive PE credits through after school sports and substitute those minutes.
MHS has also decided to provide PE credits for students in marching band as of a few years ago, but continues to deny credits to those who play after-school sports.
Most sports require more fitness and activity than an average PE class, as practices are typically two to three hours every day after school, with up to three games each week; thus, the amount of physical activity students are getting is well-accounted for. With PE classes only being an hour a day, student-athletes can get more aerobic exercise than the average student taking PE.
Regardless of the sport, there is movement involved which could include lifting weights, running sprints, and other aerobic activities. These movements are all seen in PE classes, but sports often include more dedication to these exercises.
While taking PE, the subject’s main objective is to inform students about the importance
of physical movement while offering classes such as rugball, soccer, pickleball, and more. As for student-athletes, the amount of time they dedicate to their sport shows they are well-educated about physical movement and activity.
While there are many different recreational sports offered in PE classes, committed athletes should not have to play a sport they are not interested in or are not at all involved in. For example, a basketball player should not have to be graded on how well they play soccer. They are being graded on a sport they do not play; if they receive a poor grade, it does not mean they are not educated on fitness or physical health.
If PE credits were given to student-athletes, it also may encourage other students to get involved in after-school sports, and it will provide more opportunities to learn about physical education. Sports can teach students about commitment, sportsmanship, and time management, resulting in a better understanding of physical health than what is taught in PE classes.