I agree that it should be mandatory and then once you hit HS, there are different gym programs. Create a program for those who are highly competitive in physical activity and create a program for those who perhaps are less likely to choose gym as a class if it were optional.
I actually do not recall if gym was mandatory in HS.
The worst part about gym was the mixed bag. You would get the people who used it as a chance to talk about their day, stood around barely participating and then those who couldn't wait for the physical and competitive side of the day.
My belief is that if those who did not like gym or were not as competitive were put into 1 group, they could participate in different activities and actually enjoy it without feeling left behind. Then put the athletic group in a class and let them play floor hockey, touch football, etc.
I always remember it being the "its just a game, who cares, let it end in a tie so everyone wins" view and then the "even if we have to play a few minutes into our lunch hour, we are finding a winner" view. Putting the 2 together creates separation IMO.
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