TITLE: Relating to adapting the public school physical education curriculum to accommodate the needs of students with mental disabilities.

SUMMARY: Relating to adapting the public school physical education curriculum to accommodate the needs of students with mental disabilities.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to adapting the public school physical education curriculum to accommodate the needs of students with mental disabilities. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 28.002(d), Education Code, is amended 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, disability, including a student who is a person with a disability described under Section 29.003(b) or criteria developed by the agency in accordance with that section, 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. This Act applies beginning with the 2015-2016 school year. 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.