Oliver Ames
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Physical Education Department Policies

Physical Education Home | Staff | Policies | Curriculum Info | Courses | Other Departments

Physical Education is a graduation requirement for all freshmen and sophomores. An elective course is offered to juniors and seniors. Students are scheduled either every day for 5 credits or on alternating days for 2 ½ credits. The focus of the programs is on lifetime health and fitness and the benefits of regular participation in exercise and physical activity.

Enrichment activities such as self-defense, Zumba dance and rock wall climbing are offered periodically when possible. A variety of wellness workshops, including determining the Body Mass Index, cancer prevention, screening and detection are also incorporated into the curriculum. Activities reflect local implementation of state and national standards that incorporate recreational games, dual, individual and team sports, dance, and personal fitness training.

Each student is assigned a locker and combination padlock to secure their valuables. For security purposes a student should not share padlock combinations with other students. All locks must be returned at the end of the school year. A fee of $5.00 will be assessed to those students who fail to return their locks at the conclusion of the course.

Class Requirements:
Proper attire, including sneakers and comfortable clothing must be worn at all times. No jeans or boots are allowed. Students must participate in all activities unless medically excused. Evaluation is based primarily on participation and effort. Good conduct, cooperation, and a positive attitude will be considered in calculating grades. Class members are expected to treat each other with respect and courtesy and to practice good sportsmanship.

Medical Considerations:
Students are encouraged to inform the nurse of any medical conditions that may necessitate modifications or exclusion from physical activity. Short-term excuses must be accompanied by a parental note. Illness or injuries that exceed 7 consecutive days must be accompanied by a doctor's note. Students excused for more than 2 weeks will be temporarily removed from class and be required to submit a written assignment to make-up classes missed. The content and length of the paper will be at the discretion of the instructor. Students returning to class following long-term absences must obtain an appropriate statement from a physician indicating approval to resume physical activities. Students unable to participate for an entire term for medical reasons, will be dropped from the course, and granted a medical waiver. Students with medical waivers will be exempt from the graduation requirement.

Attendance Policies:
Classes begin promptly and students are expected to be punctual and prepared for activities, within 5 minutes after the late bell. Students arriving late without a pass will receive detention. Attendance is taken daily. Excessive absences must be made up in order to receive credit. Upon approval of the instructor, written reports will be accepted in place of class participation.

Safety and Security
Electronic devices are not permitted during most class activities. Cell phones, books, pens, pencils, backpacks, pocketbooks and purses MUST be stored in the locker room and locked at all times. I-Pods are allowed only during fitness workouts, and with the permission of the teacher. I-Pods are never allowed during games or class lectures.

Assessment:
Fitness testing to determine physical strengths and weaknesses will be administered to all freshmen and sophomores in the fall and spring. Students will analyze their fitness results, make comparisons of their scores based on national standards, and set goals to improve their fitness levels. Fitness scores are used for prescription and not as the basis for assigning grades. Completion of the fitness test is factored into the participation component of the total term grade.

All freshmen and sophomores will conduct independent research each term on a variety of wellness topics. A written assignment will be submitted at the end of each quarter and calculated into the term grade.

Heart rate monitors will be utilized during cardiovascular activities to monitor heart rate and demonstrate the importance of safe training practices. Students will demonstrate proficiency in using the devices and how to interpret results.

All freshmen and sophomores will complete fitness portfolios containing personal fitness profiles, goals, term papers and information documenting target heart rate derived from authentic feedback using heart rate monitors and treadmills.

Performance assessment will be based on participation and not individual skill. Students will be observed and evaluated based upon criteria outlined in the Departmental Participation Rubric. Self-evaluation will also be utilized during some activity units.

Grading Policies:
Daily grading and evaluation will be based on the following criteria:
  • Preparation/proper attire/punctuality/warm-up routine
  • Participation and Effort
  • Knowledge of game rules, strategies and fitness concepts
  • Conduct/attitude/courtesy/sportsmanship

    Term grades using th X-2 Grade Bood Categories Method will be calculated as follows:
    1. PSYCHOMOTOR DOMAIN
    Motor skills and performance tasks = 50%
    Demonstrated through active, cooperative, thoughtful and respectful participation and effort.
    2. COGNITIVE DOMAIN
    Content knowledge = 30%
    Demonstrated through written assignments and compliance with game rules and strategies and knowledge of wellness concepts.
    3. AFFECTIVE DOMAIN
    Social Competency and Personal Responsibility = 20%
    Exhibited through consistent preparation, good sportsmanship, self-evaluation, leadership, motivation, and responsible behavior.