When people think about school, they usually picture taking tests in math and writing essays in English, not running laps or playing volleyball.
Gym class is basically a free period. All students have to do is participate and they will get a 100 in the class.
In every other subject students are expected to show effort, improve skills and actually learn something to earn their grade.
Physical education is important. It teaches life skills such as team work, self-discipline, and how to stay active and healthy. If students know they’ll get an easy A just by showing up, they’re less likely to take it seriously. That’s why it should be graded on more than just participation.
It can be graded in a fair way, based on effort, attitude and personal growth. It’s not about how many laps you run but how many more you ran than last time.
Senior Caron Allen said, “If my gym teachers had graded me based on how I was at sports, I probably would’ve failed. But since they looked at my effort and how much I improved, I actually did well and felt encouraged to keep trying.”
Some people might argue that gym class should only be graded on participation.
Senior Jordin Weckmann said, “Not all students are athletic or enjoy playing sports, so it wouldn’t be fair to grade them the same way as someone who’s naturally good at it. As long as they show up, that should be enough.”
At the end of the day, gym class is still a class and should be treated as one. If it’s not graded the same way math and science classes are graded then it sends the message that physical health and effort don’t matter. Every subject teaches something valuable, and just because gym doesn’t involve textbooks or written tests doesn’t mean it shouldn’t count.
