In the context of public K12 schools, the issue of special courses, teacher absence, physical education class substitution, and resource allocation has drawn increasing attention. When special course teachers are absent, it has become a common practice to use physical education classes as substitutes, which reveals significant unfairness.
The Prevalence of Physical Education as a Substitute
For example, art, music, and other special courses often fall victim to this substitution practice. When the art teacher is absent, instead of making appropriate alternative arrangements, the school simply replaces it with a physical education class. This happens frequently across many schools. As a result, students miss out on learning valuable skills and knowledge in these special areas. According to Education Week, such substitution practices are more common than we might think.
The Imbalance in Resource Allocation
This “physical education class as a backup” approach leads to a severe imbalance in educational resource allocation. Special courses like art and music require specific teaching facilities and teaching materials. When they are constantly replaced by physical education classes, these resources are underutilized. On the other hand, physical education classes may face overuse of resources due to increased substitution. This is not conducive to the all-round development of students. The National Center for Education Statistics has data showing the negative impact of such imbalances.
Furthermore, this situation also reflects a potential underestimation of the value of special courses in school management. These special courses play an important role in cultivating students’ aesthetics, creativity, and cultural literacy. Ignoring their importance by constantly substituting them with physical education classes is a disservice to students’ educational experience.
Readability guidance: The key points are presented in short paragraphs and lists. Each H2 section provides a summary of relevant issues. The proportion of passive voice and long sentences is controlled, and transition words are added throughout the text for better flow.
