U-46 grants gym exemptions for some students after appeal
Elgin schools officials have reversed earlier decisions to deny physical education exemptions to dozens of high school juniors, mostly from Bartlett High School, after an appeals process.
In February, nearly 45 Bartlett High School students urged the Elgin Area School District U-46 school board to allow exemptions for gym class for next school year. The students denied exemptions were among the top achievers, taking honors and Advanced Placement courses, and belonging to the school's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Academy.
They argued not granting exemptions in senior year is a detriment to students trying to cram in courses needed for college admission.
"From across the district there were 111 requests for appeal - 99 from Bartlett High School. Probably two-thirds were granted," said Terri Lozier, U-46 assistant superintendent of secondary schools, instruction and equity. "We went through each one and looked at them very carefully."
Several speakers at the February meeting claimed it was a seeming change in policy this year in granting exemptions that was not communicated to families beforehand.
Lozier said after meeting with Bartlett High administrators officials determined there had been a communications breakdown between school staff and parents on the exemption issue.
"I don't think parents had as clear of an understanding, even though it was explained at a fall registration night," she said. "The sense that we got through reviewing the situation is students and families didn't have enough information. We want students to be ready to apply to their college of choice and we do think it's still possible to do that while taking P.E. and still taking a rigorous course load."
State law requires students to provide evidence that they will not be admitted to their college of choice, if unable to take the courses they desire.
In reversing denials for some, officials factored in whether they hadn't completed core course requirements - such as a language or social studies - for college entrance by senior year.
"If they didn't have an opportunity to take it earlier, we granted those (exemptions)," Lozier said. "We wanted to make sure kids were able to get their core classes."
Lozier said she also has met with counselors and administrators at Bartlett High to discuss how to move forward.
"We will continue to communicate this with parents that physical education is a required course and that there is a way to get your requirements for college while taking P.E.," she added.