MCPS Student-Athletes Should Get P.E. Credit: School Board Member

ROCKVILLE, MD — The Montgomery County Board of Education's student member wants student-athletes to receive physical education credits for sports participation.

Student board member Nate Tinbite drafted a proposal, dated Sept. 23, that would allow students to earn a physical education credit for their efforts during the athletic season. Currently, Montgomery County Public Schools students must complete two, one-half credit physical education classes in order to graduate high school.

In his proposal, Tinbite — a senior at John F. Kennedy High School — said "students often experience difficulty finding space in their schedules for all desired courses in the areas of academic interest" ... "given the myriad of engaging, enriching, and rigorous courses available."

According to Tinbite, if the school system lets students apply a one-half physical education credit to sports participation, they could find more time to pursue their academic interests.

Alex Tsironis — an arts, physical education, and health resource teacher at North Bethesda Middle School who also runs "The MoCo Show" — isn't in favor of Tinbite's proposal.

problem solving and decision making skills within sport and physical activities, developing/performing/ and analyzing skill combos.

That’s just off the top of my head. It’s soooo much more and sometimes kids don’t even realize it. Usually because we do our best to make it fun
— Mr. MoCo (@MoCoAlexT) September 26, 2019

The only person who has the power to review, modify, and revise curriculum and graduation requirements is the schools' superintendent.

In his proposal, Tinbite is calling on MCPS Superintendent Jack Smith "to explore opportunities for curriculum changes and/or changes to the high school graduation requirements" and make recommendations to the county's Board of Education by February 2020.