Requiring all students to participate in physical education programs and developing curricula that take into account the limitations of students with physical or mental disabilities will enhance the health of all students. The following recommendations should be considered:
A. Plan a physical education program that is inclusive, promotes lifelong physical activity, and is rewarding for all children
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Offer a variety of experiences including both team sports and individual activities.
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Expose children to lifetime recreational activities such as walking, biking, roller blading, swimming, fishing, and canoeing.
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Adapt physical education instruction for students with special needs; include special needs students in regular classes whenever feasible.
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Provide special classes for students who are severely handicapped or who are otherwise unable to participate in the regular program.
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Provide both indoor and outdoor facilities
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Maintain facilities and equipment to meet safety standards.
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Provide quality equipment and supplies in sufficient quantity to allow all students to participate.
B. Allow adequate time for physical education
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Provide at least 30 minutes daily in Grades K-3 with 20 minutes spent in actual physical activity.
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Provide a minimum of 45 minutes daily for Grades 4-8.
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Require a minimum of 2 years in daily physical education for grades 9-12, with the option of taking an additional two years of physical education on an elective basis.
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Keep class size similar to other subjects in the school curriculum, preferably not more than 30 students.
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Establish minimum standards for physical education at state or local district levels to ensure equal benefits for all children.
C. Recognize physical education as an important part of the total school curriculum
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Mandate that physical education instructors are certified for the grade level taught.
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Include physical education grades in the overall GPA.
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Disallow exemptions for students for participating in any curriculum or extra curricular activities.
D. Emphasize physical fitness, including concepts that will encourage the achievement of personal physical fitness, as a vital component of the curriculum at all levels
Conduct an annual fitness evaluation of all students and report results to their parents. Utilize the following criteria to ensure that the program provides opportunity for aerobic and/or skill building:
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Three 10 minutes bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily (5 school days each week).
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Three or more 30 minute bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least
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Three or more 30 minutes sessions of motor skill practice and/or development each week.
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Recess and before and after school programs are important to a school's total physical activity program. Schools are encouraged to offer both structured and free time for physical activity.
