Northwest States at a Glance

Here's an updated look at PE in the Northwest as first reported in Shape of the Nation, a survey on state physical education requirements conducted in 1997 by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education:

ALASKA—

Who Teaches PE: At the elementary level most large schools employ physical education specialists, which means that most elementary students in the state receive some PE instruction each week from a certified teacher with a PE endorsement. Many of the smallest schools, however, do not employ specialists. The same is true of the middle and high school levels, where the larger schools have one or more certified teachers with PE endorsements, while the smaller schools do not. Teachers must complete six semester hours every five years to meet continuing education requirements, but there is no requirement that these credits be from their area of endorsement/specialization.

Student Requirements: The state has no requirements for elementary PE. At all levels, time allocation for PE is a district decision. Most districts give grades and include them in the GPA. One credit of health/PE is needed for graduation. Substitutions are accepted, but this is a local decision.

IDAHO—The state has developed a comprehensive PE curriculum.

Who Teaches PE: At the elementary and middle levels PE is taught by certified health and PE specialists. In high school PE is taught by certified PE specialists. Six hours every five years are required to meet continuing education certification.

Student Requirements: PE is mandated by the state in grades 1-8. Credit is given for courses taken as electives in high school, and grades are included in the GPA. One credit of health is required for graduation. No substitutions are allowed.

MONTANA—The state is moving toward a more health-oriented approach, termed Health Enhancement.

Who Teaches PE: PE is built into this component. At the elementary, middle, or junior high levels, classroom teachers or certified health and PE teachers teach PE. At the high school level, only certified PE specialists teach PE. Teachers must earn six university credits or 60 inservice credits every five years to meet continuing education requirements.

Student Requirements: PE is mandated through Health Enhancement at the state level. Credit is given; seventh- and eighth-graders receive one-half unit each year, and ninth through 12th receive one unit over a two-year period. At the middle and high school levels, 112 minutes are required; at the elementary level, there is no time requirement. Grades are given, and are included in the GPA at most districts. One unit is required for graduation. No substitutions are allowed.

OREGON—All programs K-12 must provide instruction in physical education through common curriculum goals. The 1999 Oregon Legislature passed a bill to include physical education in the Certificate of Initial Mastery standards. The standards and benchmarks currently being developed will be implemented in the 2001-2002 school year.

Who Teaches PE: At the elementary level, more than half of the schools have physical education specialists. Classroom teachers are responsible for teaching PE in other schools. In middle schools, classroom teachers and certified health and PE specialists teach PE. In high schools, certified health and PE specialists are required to teach PE. However, there are rare instances when schools "misassign" other teachers to teach physical education.

Student Requirements: PE is mandated by the state. In elementary and middle school PE is taught each year, with no time requirements. In high school, one year is required. Credit is given, and grades are included in the GPA. One credit is required for graduation. To waive any part of the graduation credit, a district must make a request of the State Board of Education.

WASHINGTON—As part of statewide educational reform efforts, health and PE are considered essential parts of learning.

Who Teaches PE: At the elementary level, PE is taught by classroom teachers. At the middle and high school levels, certified PE specialists and classroom teachers teach PE. Teachers (except those with master's degrees) must complete 15 hours of continuing education credits a year.

Student Requirements: PE is mandated by the state. Grades 1-8 average 20 minutes a day. High schools require two years of PE. Credits are given, and most districts include them in the GPA. Two credits are required for graduation. Substitutions are allowed.

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