David Wachob, professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Science, recently published an article, titled "The Impact of Physical Education Class Size on Student Safety and Mental Health," in the TAHPERD Journal.
This paper examined current literature on physical education (PE) class size and its impact on student safety and wellbeing. The paper explored safety considerations and possible liability that districts face when operating extremely large class sizes in the unique PE setting. It was found that most liability issues against PE teachers and school districts are filed for improper supervision, often exacerbated when class sizes are unreasonably large. The review of literature also discovered the implications that PE participation can have on lowering rates of depression and suicidal behaviors in students.