By: Nelson, ShapleighWest S.B. No. 891
 
      West
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the public school physical education curriculum.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 28.002, Education Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
         (d)  The physical education curriculum required under
  Subsection (a)(2)(C) must be sequential, developmentally
  appropriate, and designed, implemented, and evaluated to enable
  students to develop the motor, self-management, and other skills,
  knowledge, attitudes, and confidence necessary to participate in
  physical activity throughout life. Each school district shall
  establish specific objectives and goals the district intends to
  accomplish through the physical education curriculum. In
  identifying the essential knowledge and skills of physical
  education, the State Board of Education shall ensure that the
  curriculum:
               (1)  emphasizes the knowledge and skills capable of
  being used during a lifetime of regular physical activity;
               (2)  is consistent with national physical education
  standards for:
                     (A)  the information that students should learn
  about physical activity; and
                     (B)  the physical activities that students should
  be able to perform;
               (3)  requires that, on a weekly basis, at least 50
  percent of the physical education class be used for actual student
  physical activity and that the activity be, to the extent
  practicable, at a moderate or vigorous level;
               (4)  offers students an opportunity to choose among
  many types of physical activity in which to participate;
               (5)  offers students both cooperative and competitive
  games;
               (6)  meets the needs of students of all physical
  ability levels, including students who have a disability, chronic
  health problem, or other special need that precludes the student
  from participating in regular physical education instruction but
  who might be able to participate in physical education that is
  suitably adapted and, if applicable, included in the student's
  individualized education program;
               (7)  takes into account the effect that gender and
  cultural differences might have on the degree of student interest
  in physical activity or on the types of physical activity in which a
  student is interested;
               (8)  teaches self-management and movement skills;
               (9)  teaches cooperation, fair play, and responsible
  participation in physical activity;
               (10)  promotes student participation in physical
  activity outside of school; and
               (11)  allows physical education classes to be an
  enjoyable experience for students.
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter D, Chapter 25, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 25.114 to read as follows:
         Sec. 25.114.  STUDENT/TEACHER RATIOS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
  CLASSES.  In implementing the curriculum for physical education
  under Section 28.002(a)(2)(C), each school district shall
  establish specific objectives and goals the district intends to
  accomplish through the curriculum, including, to the extent
  practicable, student/teacher ratios that are small enough to enable
  the district to:
               (1)  carry out the purposes of and requirements for the
  physical education curriculum as provided under Section 28.002(d);
  and
               (2)  ensure the safety of students participating in
  physical education.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2009.