Opt-out plan proposed for P.E. - Omaha World-Herald

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Should student athletes have to take time from their high school schedules to participate in gym class?

Members of the Omaha school board considered that question Monday, when they heard a proposal that would allow students competing in sports or certain other activities to opt out of physical education class.

The idea already is in place at Northwest High School. Five students have opted out of gym class so far to fit more academic courses into their schedules.

“You will see, as the word gets out, more kids taking advantage,” said OPS physical education supervisor Bob Danenhauer, noting that the program was announced for Northwest after school started in the fall.

The district has allowed the opt-out for marching band and JROTC students for several years.

One season of any sport on the freshman, reserve, junior varsity or varsity team; a full year of cheerleading, dance team or step club. Students participating in marching band or JROTC already can opt-out.

Source: Omaha Public Schools

At Monday's meeting, no board members spoke against the idea of extending the policy to sports. Board member Bambi Bartek said it's “one of the smartest things we've done.”

National physical education advocates, however, have criticized similar initiatives, partly because of the nation's obesity rate. A 2008 report released by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed 27 percent of Nebraskans as being obese â€" more than double the state's rate in 1988.

OPS requires four semesters of physical education for high school graduation.

If the policy is approved, students at all seven traditional high schools could opt out of a semester of gym class for each season of a sport on the freshman, reserve, junior varsity or varsity teams. They also could opt out a semester for a full year of cheerleading, dance line or step club.

Students would receive a pass/fail mark on their report card to reflect their participation in the sport or activity but would not be awarded credit toward graduation. Students would still need to earn 49 credits to graduate.

Students must use the time for another course, not a study hall. The course would be indicated on a required form and counselors would discuss advanced course options, including advanced placement, with students. The student, a parent, counselor and administrator all must agree to the course.

Policies in other districts vary.

In the Millard district, students must pass three semesters of physical education for graduation. Millard does not allow students to opt out and is not considering the option, spokeswoman Amy Friedman said.

The Westside district requires four semesters of “health, exercise and leisure” courses and allows athletes to opt out, according to the student handbook.

Iowa Department of Education policy specifically allows high schools to offer students an opt-out.

The OPS board will vote on the proposal next month.

It also will vote on a plan that would allow middle school students enrolled in an advanced course at a high school to earn high school credit for that course. Those students currently earn only middle school credit. The option of a middle school student attending a high school class is most often used in math.

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