Education: physical education.

(1) Existing law requires the State Department of Education to adopt rules and regulations that it deems necessary and proper to secure the establishment of courses in physical education in the elementary and secondary schools. The department must compile or cause to be compiled and printed a manual in physical education for distribution to teachers in the public schools. The department must also encourage school districts offering instruction in kindergarten and any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to the extent that resources are available, to provide quality physical education, as specified. This bill would require the department to periodically update the rules and regulations relating to physical education consistent with the Education Code and content standards developed by the State Board of Education. The bill would specify that the physical education manual that must be distributed to teachers in the public schools be consistent with the requirements for physical education outlined in the Education Code and the content standards adopted by the state board. (2) Existing law contains specified legislative findings and declarations relating to the importance of physical education in public schools. This bill would modify those findings and declarations to emphasize the importance of the Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools and the Physical Education Framework, adopted by the state board, to the physical education program in the public schools, as specified. (3) Existing law requires that the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall include courses in physical education, with emphasis given to physical activities that are conducive to health and to vigor of body and mind, as specified. This bill would require that courses of physical education provide each pupil with instruction and assessment of their learning consistent with the physical education model content standards, as specified. Because this provision would increase the duties of local educational agencies, it would create a state-mandated local program. (4) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.