School District Physical Education Compliance (2018-MS-3)

Issued Date
September 12, 2018

[read complete report - pdf]

We also issued 10 letter reports in the School Districts of: Baldwinsville Central, Binghamton City, Brockport Central, Camden Central, Corning City, East Ramapo Central, Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free, Plattsburgh City, South Colonie Central, and South Huntington Union Free.

Audit Objective

To determine whether the 10 school districts that we audited provide physical education (PE) classes consistently with the regulations of the Commissioner of the New York State Education Department (SED).

Key Findings

  • None of the districts fully complied with PE requirements mandated by State Education Law and regulations. As a result, not all students are receiving the minimum PE required. Nine of the 10 districts audited did not provide an adequate amount of PE to students in grades K-4, and seven did not do so for grade 5.
  • None of the districts audited had developed a PE plan that met SED Commissioner’s regulation requirements.
  • Seven districts did not file a PE plan with SED, as required.
  • Five Boards of Education did not approve their district’s PE plan, as required.

Key Recommendations

Develop and institute a PE program to ensure that:

  • Students receive the minimum required amount of PE.
  • The PE plan addresses all requirements in the Commissioner’s regulations.