Office of the Superintendent of Schools
Office of Academics
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Approval Of Off-Campus Private Or Commercially-Sponsored Physical Activity Programs For Middle And High School Students For The 2024-2025 School Year
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Texas Education Code §28.025(b-10), 19 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 74, Subchapter B, allow school districts to approve off-campus private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs as a substitution for high school physical education courses, and board policy EIF(LOCAL) establishes guidelines for such programs in the Houston Independent School District (HISD). These programs provide opportunities for students to fulfill their physical education graduation requirements through structured physical activities offered outside of the traditional school setting. This board approval is an annual occurrence for students to gain access to an outside physical education equivalent program.
HISD recognizes the importance of providing flexible options for students who demonstrate a high level of commitment to physical activities beyond the school environment. The Off-Campus Physical Education Equivalent Program is divided into two categories:
• Category I: Programs that involve a minimum of 15 hours per week of intensive, professional-level training in Olympic-level sports or other specific physical activities. These programs may qualify for physical education credit as a complete substitute for the physical education requirement.
• Category II: Programs that involve a minimum of 5 hours per week of supervised physical activity, providing students with an opportunity to enhance their physical fitness while meeting district and state standards for physical education.
For the 2024-2025 school year, HISD has identified and vetted several off-campus programs that meet the criteria set forth by the state. The HISD Health and Physical Education Department reviews the student application and the vendor documentation checklist (Program Services, Background Check, CPR Certification, Professional Affiliations if applicable), then meets with the agency before approval. With board approval, HISD students will be able to participate in the programs or agencies in the attached list. These programs offer students high-quality physical training and education, while maintaining the rigorous standards of HISD and the Texas Education Agency.
The document identifying the Off Campus Physical Education Equivalent Programs is attached. Upon board approval, the list will be posted to the HISD Health and Physical Education website <https://www.houstonisd.org/Page/32361>.
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THIS ITEM DOES NOT ESTABLISH, MODIFY, OR DELETE BOARD POLICY.
recommendation
RECOMMENDED: That the School Board approves of the off-campus private or commercially sponsored physical activity programs for middle and high school students for the 2024-2025 school year, effective October 11, 2024.