Coordinated School Health

Rules Governing Physical Activity Standards in Arkansas Public Schools - Frequently Asked Questions

How much physical activity is required in grades K-12?

30 minutes daily or 150 minutes weekly.

Can the 30 minutes of daily physical activity take place in multiple periods?

Yes. It is recommended the physical activity periods be broken into 10 minutes or more.

Does changing class count as physical activity?

No.

Does physical activity require a specific licensure?

No.  However, the content area of physical education requires the appropriate licensure.

Does physical education count as part of the required physical activity?

Yes.

Is there a student to adult ratio requirement for grades 7-12 for physical education classes?

No. Physical Education is a course that lends itself to large group instruction.

Is there a student to adult ratio requirement for grades K-6?

Yes.  Grades K-6 have a student to adult ratio requirement of 30:1. 

How much time is designated for physical education in grades K-8?

Presently, physical education must be taught annually in grades K-8. Beginning in the 2007-2008 school year, students in grades K-6 must receive 60 minutes of scheduled physical education.

Can recess or an activity/movement period count as part of the required physical activity?

Yes. 

Can the physical activity occur before or after school?

Yes.  Documentation is required for before, during, and after school.

Can the physical activity requirement count as part of the instructional day?

Yes.

When should the revised Physical Education and Health Framework be implemented?

Beginning the 2006-2007 school year.

How much physical education is required for high school graduation?

½ unit.