policy
BOARD OF EDUCATION
DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY DISTRICT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

PROGRAM
2280/page 1 of 2

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Board recognizes the value of physical education to the maintenance of the
health and vitality of all students, as well as to the development of life-long habits
that will enhance personal fitness and wellness. Quality physical education
programs positively impact students’ physical, social, and mental health. It is the
unique role of quality physical education programs to provide opportunities for
children to understand the importance of physical activity and to acquire skills to
combat a sedentary lifestyle.
The District shall establish and provide physical education for students. The
District's physical education program shall have a curriculum aligned with the
Michigan K-12 Physical Education Content Standards and taught by a certified
physical education teacher where possible. The District’s program shall have
instructional periods totaling 150 minutes per week for elementary and 225 minutes
per week for middle and high school.
The District shall provide daily opportunities for unstructured physical activity,
commonly referred to as recess, for all students in Pre-K through grade eight, for at
least 30 minutes. Recess should be in addition to physical education class time and
not be a substitute for physical education. Each school shall provide proper
equipment and a safe area designated for supervised recess in the elementary
setting. School staff should not withhold participation in recess from students or
cancel recess to make up for missed instructional time.
Provisions shall be made at all levels to excuse individual students from specific
activities if direction to do so is received, in writing, from the student's physician.
Students may be excused from specific activities if those activities are contrary to
their religious beliefs. A request to excuse a student from such activities must
be received in writing from the student's parent or from the eligible student.

© NEOLA 2012

MCL 380.1502
Revised 3/22/18