What is Independent Study P.E. (ISPE)?

ISPE  is an alternative Physical Education option for students who participate in activities not normally available through TUSD’s physical education program. ISPE is intended for students who are extremely gifted and highly competitive at the state, regional, or national level. Recreational activities and programs are not eligible for ISPE.

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis and must meet TUSD eligibility requirements. ISPE may NOT be used to make up a failing grade in Physical Education.

Who is eligible for ISPE?

Students applying for ISPE must:

• Have earned a grade of C or better in Physical Education or ISPE during the previous year.
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
• Be making satisfactory progress toward graduation requirements.
• Have no more than one unsatisfactory citizenship mark.
• Passed 5 of 6 CA Physical Fitness Tests areas in most recent PFT. (Grades 10-12 only)

What is the approval criteria?

To be considered for ISPE, students must meet all District requirements, including:

• Participation in a structured program supervised by qualified instructors.
• A minimum of 15 hours per week for high school students.
• Verification of participation, progress, and performance by the supervising instructor.
• Documentation of regional, state, or national competition and/or performance.
• Compliance with all academic and citizenship eligibility requirements

A major factor in determining approval is the distinction between a recreational program and a competitive program.

Required Application Materials

Students applying for ISPE must submit all required documentation by the published deadline (page 4), including:

• ISPE Application
• Coach/Instructor Qualifications Form
• Proof of coaching certification
• Proof of current First Aid/CPR certification
• ISPE Learning Plan
• Student, Parent, and Coach Verification Forms
• Documentation of state, regional, or national competition/performance participation

Physical copies can be dropped off in the main office. Digital copies should be emailed to Kia Williams and Tyler Farrell. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Independent Study PE Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to participate in the Physical Fitness Test? 

Yes - 9th grade students must participate in the PFT. Failure to participate may result in disqualification from ISPE in the future. 10-12th graders MUST have passed 5 of 6 tests in the previous PFT to be eligible. 

Is club participation enough to qualify?

Not necessarily. Participation must be at a highly competitive level with regional, state, or national involvement. Recreational or developmental programs typically do not meet eligibility requirements.

Yes. Families may submit a written appeal explaining how the student meets the district's ISPE criteria. Appeals are reviewed by the District's Secondary Education office.

Can parents supervise an ISPE program?

No. The supervising instructor must be a qualified, independent coach or instructor. Parents cannot serve as the supervising coach for their child.

If my application is denied, can I appeal?

Yes. Families may submit a written appeal explaining how the student meets the district's ISPE criteria. Appeals are reviewed by the District's Secondary Education office.