Unionville-Chadds Ford proposes choice-driven middle school PE to boost engagement

Unionville-Chadds Ford School District staff on Monday proposed reshaping middle‑school physical education to let sixth graders build foundational skills, seventh graders choose between two exploratory options and eighth graders select among three specialized courses.

The proposal, delivered during the district’s Curriculum, Instruction and Technology meeting, would rename and revise existing units for vertical alignment with high‑school programs. Presenters said the goal is to increase student motivation and participation by offering choice rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all PE sequence.

According to presenters, sixth grade will remain a foundational course focused on lifetime fitness, team‑building and introductory sport units. Seventh grade would offer two options (current “advanced” to be retitled, and a recreational games/movement track). Eighth grade would offer three options: a retitled advanced/team‑sport class, Lifetime Fitness and Wellness, and a Unified PE modeled on the high‑school program to create inclusive opportunities for students with significant learning disabilities.

Presenters described a modified health course tailored for life‑skills students that emphasizes practical, hands‑on health skills rather than classroom discussion on topics such as substance use. They said the special‑education department recommended the modified health curriculum and will collaborate on its design.

Board members asked practical questions about students switching classes midyear and scheduling. Presenters said teachers will teach concurrent sections (same time block) for seventh‑grade options so students can switch between classes when needed. They also said there are no prerequisites between the proposed seventh‑ and eighth‑grade options, and students may move between tracks year to year.

The district noted the changes are intended to be budget‑neutral for instruction and that curriculum‑writing hours for implementation have been budgeted for this school year. Next steps will include finalizing course names and catalog descriptions before seeking formal board approval.

The proposal drew positive comments from board members who praised staff initiative; the committee moved on afterward without recording a formal vote.