Physical Education Requirements

Requirements 

To meet the high school graduation requirement in PE, students must complete 20 credits by the end of their senior year.

9th Grade

PE is required for all 9th grade students. They will be evaluated on their progress in the following eight areas:

1. Effects of physical activity upon dynamic health
2. Mechanics of body movement
3. Aquatics (see Swimming Policy below)
4. Gymnastics and tumbling
5. Individual and dual sports
6. Rhythms and dance
7. Team sports
8. Combative

PE Clothes Policy

In the 2022-2023 school year, all students that take PE will be required to wear a Oakland Technical High School PE uniform.

Swimming Policy

The Tech PE Dept. feels that swimming is an important tool to help students with the principles of biomechanics and give them a sense of pride in accomplishing a personal goal. The Dept. is also concerned about deaths associated with water sports. Swimming consists of two six-week-long units. Students will be allowed to stay in the next teacher’s swim unit until they pass the test (assessment). Students who pass the test will receive their grade for both marking periods.

All students must pass the swimming assessment test which consists of four steps that must be done continuously:

1. Dive in the Deep end of the pool
2. Swim 20 yds (720 ft.)
3. Tread water for 30 seconds
4. Pick up object from bottom of pool

Swimming Exemptions

Teachers will modify the swim assessment (test) for the following students:

• Students with medical reasons and certified Doctor letter
• Students with religious objections to swimming with males in a class:
  • Students must bring a personalized note from their religious leader exempt from swimming.
• Students with special needs.

CA Physical Fitness Test Requirements

9th grade students must take the state-mandated Physical Fitness Test (PFT), which consists of: 

1. One-mile run
2. 90º push-ups
3. Curl-ups
4. Shoulder stretch
5. Trunk lift
6. Height/weight

Please review the district’s policy regarding the PFT below.

Updated OUSD Policy on PE, Fitness Test & Credit for Sports

OUSD has begun the process of updating district policies and regulations to ensure compliance with legal requirements, equitable education opportunities for our students and high quality instruction in Physical Education. More information about these efforts will be available in the coming months.

In the meantime, please review the following summary of the California Education Code for High School Physical Education:

• Students who pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) in grade 9 (scored in the Healthy Fitness Zone in five of six measures) may take their second year of Physical Education in grades 10, 11, or 12. It is their choice.
• Students who do not pass the PFT (do not score in the Healthy Fitness Zone in five of six measures) must take their second year of Physical Education in 10th grade. They must do one or a combination of the following in the 10th grade for a total of two semesters:

1. 1. Advanced Sports;
   2. Dance;
   3. PE.

Note:  All students are required to take the PFT in 5th, 7th, and 9th grades only

• Students are not required to pass the PFT to receive Physical Education credit.
• PFT scores ARE NOT used as a basis for a student’s Physical Education grade.
• Students are NO LONGER required to pass the PFT to earn Advanced Sports credit. In the 18-19 school year, Advanced Sports may count for Physical Education credit as long as the OAL Guidelines are being followed (attendance to practices and games documented).
• Each sport/season that a student participates in counts as Advanced Sports participation for one semester — i.e., played football in the fall and baseball in the Spring = 1 year of Advanced Sports credit
• OUSD’s research and review process includes looking at best practices for Advanced Sports (Oakland Athletic League) credit for High Schools.

If you have questions about this information or require additional information, please contact Mr. Price at martel.price@ousd.org.

Guide to Understanding the PFT

Download (PDF, 213KB)

“A” Period PE in Action

Credit for Sports Participation

Please review these OUSD guidelines regarding earning Physical Education or elective credits for sports participation. If you have any questions, please contact an administrator or counselor.