The mission of the Physical Education Program in Duval County Public Schools is to provide students with the opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge, motivation, and behaviors that lead to the adoption of a physically active and healthy lifestyle.
The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) defines physical education as, "the development and maintenance of skills related to strength, agility, flexibility, movement, and fair play; the development of knowledge and skills regarding sound nutrition and physical fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle; and the development of positive attitudes regarding nutrition and physical activity as a component of personal well-being."
Physical Education program outcomes include: (a) instruction in a variety of motor skills that are designed to enhance the physical, mental, and social/emotional development of every child; (b) fitness education and assessment to help children understand, improve and/or maintain their skill and fitness; (c) the development of cognitive concepts about motor skill and fitness; (d) opportunities to improve their emerging social and cooperative skills and gain a multi-cultural perspective; and (e) the promotion of regular amounts of appropriate physical activity now and throughout life.
Duval County Public Schools strives to meet the demands of 21st century physical education and to contribute to the fight against childhood obesity in our community. As such, we strongly recommend that all students seek to develop their mind and body to the greatest extent possible. Daily physical activity is essential for all students so they can learn and practice a healthy lifestyle. Section 1003.455, FL Statutes, requires 150 minutes of physical education each week for students in grades K-5 and the equivalent of one class period per day of physical education for one semester of each year in middle school. Florida high school students are required to take health and personal fitness in order to graduate with a standard diploma. In Duval County Schools, this requirement is fulfilled by the Health Opportunities Through Physical Education (HOPE) course. Waivers are available under specific circumstances as provided by the state. For more information on requesting a waiver for middle school PE or the HOPE course, please go to the Parent/Guardian link on the left of this page.