Subcommittee advances updated physical-education waiver aligning to 2023 framework
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
The subcommittee advanced a proposal to update the district’s physical-education waiver to align with the 2023 framework: freshman PE as a one-term requirement, expanded pathway options (self‑selection, fitness, walking), and continued waiver flexibility for student-athletes; committee requested rubric and inclusion clarifications.
On Dec. 18 the Fall River Public Schools structural subcommittee reviewed and advanced an updated physical-education waiver designed to align district practice with the 2023 framework.
District staff said the proposed waiver preserves a requirement that students complete a term of physical education (freshman year), while offering multiple pathways — fitness classes, walking/fitness options and self‑selection of activities that rotate every two weeks — intended to increase engagement. Presenters explained the waiver was originally implemented in August 2020 and was revised to remove references that no longer align with the 2023 framework.
Administration representatives noted DESE allows flexibility in how districts schedule required curriculum and stressed the change aims to prevent students from advancing through four years of high school without any PE. Grading for PE this year relies on effort and sportsmanship; staff said they will review the rubric and consider moving toward more standards-based grading next year.
Committee members discussed equity concerns about counting after‑school sports minutes and asked whether stakeholders (including guidance and athletics) had been consulted; presenters said they engaged multiple internal stakeholders although not the city, and that summer or alternative credit pathways remain available. A motion to advance the physical-education proposal (listed in the meeting as 'Motion number 4') was moved and seconded and recorded as passing by affirmative roll-call responses.
The subcommittee asked staff to continue refining grading guidance and to supply any needed documentation for the waiver when it proceeds to the full committee.