State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
The Alaska Physical Education Standards, revised in 2010, establish comprehensive, skills-based learning objectives for K–12 students (Alaska Admin. Code Title 4, §04.140[b]). These standards align with broader content and performance benchmarks across educational subjects.
A school district shall award health/physical education credit, as required under 4 AAC 06.075(b), based on satisfactory completion of Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, or both. Waivers may be granted for physical activity requirements due to health or safety concerns, including medical reasons or inclement weather (Alaska Stat. §14.30.360[c]). Local districts are responsible for adopting such exemption policies.
School districts are required to establish guidelines that incorporate daily physical activity opportunities distinct from physical education, which may include recess and structured physical education classes (Alaska Stat. §14.30.360[c]). Programs aim to meet a minimum of 90 percent of the physical activity guidelines set by the CDC.
Specific fitness assessments are not mandated by state law but should align with the adopted Alaska Physical Education Standards (Alaska Admin. Code Title 4, §04.140[b]). Assessments are intended to promote lifelong health.
Shower and locker room facilities for Grades 7–12 must meet safety standards, including impervious flooring and adequate ventilation (Alaska Admin. Code Title 18, §30.360). Schools are expected to provide resources that ensure safe and effective physical education.
The statutes do not explicitly address online physical education; however, all physical education programs must meet Alaska’s established physical education standards. Online adaptations must ensure skill development and adherence to state requirements.
Physical education teachers must achieve passing scores on the Praxis II Physical Education: Content Knowledge exam or equivalent, as specified under Alaska’s teacher certification guidelines (Alaska Admin. Code Title 4, §12.407). Certification ensures quality instructional practices.
Programs must prohibit gender discrimination while allowing sex-segregated activities for bodily contact purposes, such as contact sports (Alaska Stat. §14.18.050). Adapted physical education services for students with disabilities must comply with IEPs and Section 504 plans (Alaska Admin. Code Title 4, § 52.140).
Funding for physical education programs, including facilities like swimming pools, may be partially reimbursed by the state if aligned with approved standards (Alaska Admin. Code Title 4, §14.11.100–.102). Districts must demonstrate compliance to qualify for such support.
Local wellness policies should integrate physical education as part of a comprehensive school health initiative, consistent with state standards and local community needs (7 CFR 210.31).
Evaluation criteria include adherence to physical education standards and effective instruction in health and fitness. Teachers are encouraged to use formative and summative assessments aligned with state guidelines (Alaska Admin. Code Title 4, §19.010-099).
Recent updates highlight the inclusion of CDC physical activity guidelines and a greater emphasis on unstructured opportunities like recess. Standards also emphasize the integration of personal safety and environmental health into physical education (Alaska Stat. §14.30.360).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to Local Education Agencies through general curriculum and graduation requirements. The regulations do not include specific enforcement mechanisms or penalties related to physical education or physical activity policy compliance.
For more details, contact the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development at 801 West 10th Street, Juneau, AK 99811 or visit eed.alaska.gov.