Physical Education

California Physical Education Standards

Physical Education Framework

Adapted PE

Grade Level P.E. Themes

Each spring, students in grades 5, 7, and 9 participate in the California Physical Fitness Test (PFT).  The physical fitness test used in California schools is the FITNESSGRAM, a comprehensive health-related physical fitness assessment.  The purpose of the PFT is to assist students in establishing lifetime habits of regular physical activity.

A Note from IUSD About Your Student's Score Report

Physical Fitness Test Frequently Asked Questions

For additional information about the Physical Fitness Test, including test options, information about healthy fitness zones, and other resources please visit the links below.

Physical Fitness Test - California Department of Education

Reference Guide

Modules, Videos, and Training

Performance Standards

Irvine Unified School District

Independent Study Physical Education (ISPE)

A Guide for Students and Parents

What is ISPE?

The Independent Study Physical Education (ISPE) program is an alternative to traditional PE class for IUSD Middle School (grades 7-8) and High School (grades 9-12) students. It is designed for dedicated athletes whose advanced skill level, rigorous training schedule, and high level of competition go far beyond what is covered in a standard PE class.

This program is not an exemption or a waiver from physical education. It is a different way to earn PE credit by meeting state standards through a structured, off-campus training program. Participation is a privilege that requires a high degree of personal responsibility. Approval is granted for one school year at a time, and students must reapply annually. Students may earn a maximum of 20 credits (two years) via ISPE at the middle school level and a maximum of 20 credits at the high school level.

Legal Authority

The ISPE program is governed by the California Education Code (EC) and the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 5.

• Independent Study (EC § 51745 et seq.): Provides the legal framework for instruction outside the traditional classroom.
• PE Course of Study (EC § 51222): Mandates a course of study in physical education for high school students.
• PE Exemptions (EC § 51241): Authorizes districts to grant two-year PE exemptions. The ISPE program serves as an instructional pathway for students who qualify under this section.
• Credentialing (EC § 51747.5): Requires that Independent Study be under the supervision of a credentialed district teacher.

Is My Student Eligible?

To be considered for ISPE, a student must meet all five of the following requirements:

• State Fitness Mandate: Must participate in the California Physical Fitness Test (FITNESSGRAM) administered at school sites, in their 7th and/or 9th-grade year.
• Academic Standing: Must have a minimum 2.0 GPA with no failing grades from the previous semester/trimester.
• Good Discipline: Must be in good disciplinary standing.
• Full-Time Enrollment: Must be enrolled as a full-time IUSD student.
• Participate in an Eligible Elite Sport as defined by IUSD, for a minimum 600 minutes/week

Defining an Eligible Elite Sport

For a sport or activity to be considered for ISPE, especially one not on the pre-approved list, it must meet all four of the following criteria. The purpose of these standards is to ensure that any approved activity is a physically rigorous, competitive endeavor that aligns with the goals of the California PE Framework.

1. Sustained Physical Exertion:

• The activity must require sustained, moderate-to-vigorous physical effort. The primary focus of the activity must be on developing health-related fitness components, such as cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. Activities where the primary focus is on a non-physical skill (e.g., operating a remote-controlled device) are not eligible.

2. Recognized Governing Body:

• The sport must be governed by a recognized state, national, or international organization. This body must establish official rules, formats, and safety standards for competition.

3. Formal Competitive Structure:

• The sport must have a formal, structured, and merit-based competitive pathway that allows athletes to progress from local to regional, state, and national levels of competition. Recreational leagues or clubs without a clear path to elite competition do not qualify.

4. Alignment with PE Domains: 

• The activity is comprehensive enough for a student to engage with the required California PE Standards.

Is My Sport Eligible? Detailed Criteria for Individual Sports

Approval is based on documented evidence of commitment to a highly competitive, year-round program at a regional, state or national level.

Note: Sports not listed above will be considered on a case-by-case basis, by a District Review Panel. The applicant must provide evidence of a comparable elite level of competition, through a national governing body and must meet all criteria outlined in the "Defining an Eligible Elite Sport" section. The application must be submitted to the panel through the site designee.

Team Sports 

Team sports are eligible for high school students only if the sport is not offered as a CIF-sanctioned sport by IUSD.  Team sports are not eligible for middle school students. 

• High School: The program must meet all of the following criteria:
  1. Membership is earned via a competitive tryout.
  2. The team competes at the highest youth level (e.g., Tier 1/AAA Hockey, Varsity 8+ Crew).
  3. The schedule includes significant travel for regional or national-level tournaments.

Documentation: A letter from the club director verifying all criteria, a team roster, the current competition schedule and travel requirements.

Appeals 

Appeals of school decisions on acceptance of an Physical Education Independent Study application can be made through the office of the Executive Director of Secondary Education. A request for appeal should be made through the site designee, within seven days of the school decision and include supporting documentation. A District Review Panel will consider appeals. The District decision will be final. 

If approved, a shortened schedule will result in the parents in charge of supervision.  Additional courses to fill up the schedule will not be allowed. 

How ISPE Works: Attendance, Grades, and Staffing

Attendance & Time Commitment

Attendance is based on completing your work and training hours.

• Minimum Training Hours: You must train a minimum of 10 hours per week.

Submission of Work

All activity logs and academic journal assignments must be submitted according to the directions of the site designee, by the due date. This creates a clear digital record for grading and auditing.

Credit & Grading

• High School Credit: You will earn 5.0 Pass/Fail credits per semester, the same as a regular PE course.
• Grading: Your final grade is determined by the site ISPE designee based on three things:

1. On-time submission of The Student Performance Evaluation form plus required documents (signed, weekly activity logs or similar, competition entry lists/results).
2. Verification from your private coach that you are participating.
3. Satisfactory and on-time completion of your academic assignments.

Program Staffing

• Program Oversight: The ISPE program at each site is managed by the ISPE Designee. They are your primary point of contact for application submission and program questions.
• Private Coach/Instructor: Your private coach is your off-site supervisor. They must be a certified expert in their field. Their role is to provide instruction, verify your training hours, and communicate with your IUSD teacher. Your private coach does not assign the grade.

Academic Requirements for High School Students: Quarterly Journal Assignments

To meet state requirements, High School students enrolled in ISPE will complete four quarterly assignments annually, covering all eight of the PE domains. Student responses must be submitted by the due date, in the format requested by the site designee for ISPE. For tasks that offer two assessment options, students will choose one to complete.

Academic Requirements for Middle School Students: Trimester Journal Assignments

Independent Study is a voluntary alternative instructional strategy intended to meet the same academic standards as a regular PE course. Middle School students enrolled in ISPE will complete an assignment each trimester, tied to the Physical Education Standards for California. Assignments must be submitted by the due date, in the format requested by the site designee for ISPE.