FAQS
What is the difference between physical activity and physical education?
Click HERE to see the difference between Physical Activity and Physical Education. Check out this infographic provided by SHAPE America which highlights the difference between Physical Education and Physical Activity.
How much time during the school week is devoted to P.E. for students in ES, MS, & HS?
Most students at the elementary level receive physical education two times a week for 30 minutes, some schools opt to teach students physical education in an hour block once a week. Students at the middle school receive physical education on a rotating basis each week for 50 minutes (A/B). Students at the high school level are required to take 1.0 credit of physical education instruction (0.5 credit is the Fitness for Life requirement and 0.5 elective).
What courses are offered in physical education?
There are a variety of physical education courses offered in AACPS. All students Pre-K to Grade 5 receive physical education as part of their Cultural Arts experience. Click here for more information. (Elementary)
All students in grades 6 - 8 take physical education on a yearly basis. Click here for more information. (Middle School)
All students in High school must take the Fitness for Life required course and then may choose any of the other courses offered to fulfill their 1.0 graduation requirement. Click here for more information. (High School)
Is recess considered physical education?
No! Physical Education is defined by SHAPE America (the National Society for Health and Physical Educators) as education which provides students with a planned, sequential, K-12 standards-based program of curricula and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge and behaviors for active living, physical fitness, sportsmanship, self-efficacy and emotional intelligence
Where can I find more information on recess in schools?
AACPS has developed RECESS GUIDELINES for schools to establish norms and guidelines for the elmentary level. Click HERE to see what the National Organization for Health and Physical Education has to say about Recess in schools.