skip to main content
ISPE program Information

ISPE program Information

SDUHSD supports and values after-school activities and encourages student participation in extra-curricular areas of interest. However, these outside sports do not take the place of SDUHSD physical education courses following the K-12 California State Standards in Physical Education while offering an introduction to diverse sporting activities in the context of a cooperative environment. Students are encouraged to participate in the SDUHSD on-campus physical education program in middle and high school.

All students must participate in our district physical education program to satisfy the physical education graduation requirement; however, for a small percentage of students, SDUHSD offers Independent Study Physical Education (ISPE) with the following agreed-upon qualifications: 
  • High School applicants must demonstrate they are competing at a pre-Olympic or pre-professional level, as evidenced by a verifiable ranking organization and/or compared to other athletes or peers participating in the same sport or activity.
  • Middle School applicants must demonstrate they are making progress toward the criteria listed above for High school applicants. 
It will be encouraged that all applicants include ranking information from the respective sports governing body as documentation.   
 
An independent study course requires personal accountability and maturity. Students in ISPE will be responsible for fulfilling the requirements of the ISPE Contract, which includes the completion of ongoing workouts logs and the submission of all required documents as requested. Please understand that due to the independent nature of this program, a large component of a student's grade (pass/fail) is earned based upon the accomplishment of their agreed-upon objectives and communication of this information to the ISPE Coordinator in a timely fashion.
What is independent Study IN Physical Education?

What is independent Study IN Physical Education?

ISPE is a voluntary alternative instructional strategy for providing regular education. Students work independently, according to a written agreement, and under the general supervision of a credentialed teacher. Attendance in IS is based on the time value of the student’s work product, as determined by the student’s supervising teacher. Because ISPE is an alternative instructional strategy, not an alternative curriculum, students follow the same course of study and meet the same academic standards as classroom-based students. IS students must adhere to EC sections 51222, 51225.3, 51241, and 60800, the latter requiring all students in grades five, seven, and nine to be tested in the state’s physical performance test (FITNESSGRAM®). Note: IS is offered at the option of the district, and not all districts offer this alternative instructional strategy. (CA Department of Education, Physical Education Frequently Asked Questions)
ISPE Coaches Application Update

ISPE Coaches Application Update

SDUHSD is currently working with ISPE Coaches on the submission of required coaching materials ahead of the June 2, 2023 deadline. Coaches who have submitted all required application information will receive notification beginning tomorrow, May 23, 2023. Additional communication will be sent to all remaining coaches after the June 2, 2023 deadline. SDUHSD is committed to working with coaches throughout the summer to ensure athlete eligibility for district ISPE students.  
SDUHSD ISPE SPRING 2023 TIMELINE

SDUHSD ISPE SPRING 2023 TIMELINE

SDUHSD ISPE Application Opens
Monday, February 13, 2023 @ 8:00 am  
SDUHSD Application Submission
Virtual Application (Preferred)
Virtual applications will be submitted via HelloSign.
Please note that all attachments must be uploaded as one file.
 
*Hard-Copy Applications (As Needed)
Hard-copy applications may be dropped off at Earl Warren Middle School between the hours of 7:30 am - 3:30 pm. 
 
*Earl Warren Middle School is an application drop-off location only. Please utilize the below contact information for any ISPE application questions or concerns. 
 
Individual school sites will not be collecting any ISPE applications/packets.
Parent/Student Q&A Sessions - Virtual
 
Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Meeting Link
Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Meeting Link
 
SDUHSD ISPE Application Closes 
Friday, March 17, 2023 @ 4:00 pm 
SDUHSD ISPE Application Review Period Monday, March 20, 2023 - Friday, March 31, 2023
SDUHSD ISPE Applicant Notification Period
Monday, March 27, 2023* - Friday, April 14, 2023
 
*Conditional approval communication may begin as soon as Monday, March 27, 2023.

Please note that SDUHSD is on Spring Break from Monday, April 3, 2023 - Friday, April 7, 2023.
 
If your student is conditionally approved, SDHUSD will begin to contact coaches in late April for the following information:
  • NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Certification - SDUHSD requires NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Certification for all off-campus coaches; however, SDUHSD is open to evaluating other forms of coaching certification for the 23-24 school year that meet or exceed NFHS standards and requirements. SDUHSD will continue to work directly with coaches on the evaluation of other forms of coaching certification submitted.  
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Liability Insurance Coverage of up to $1,000,000 
Questions or Concerns
Email:  ispe@carlaincenter.com or call (760) 753-6491