State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
Physical education is included in the minimum course of study and students are required to demonstrate competency as defined by the State Board adopted standards (Ariz. Admin. Code R7-2-301). The state requires schools to follow academic standards for health and physical education, incorporating physical fitness, mental health, and lifelong activity skills (Ariz. Admin. Code R7-2-301).
Arizona does not specifically permit nor prohibit physical education courses to be substituted with other activities for high school credit. Flexibility in physical activity requirements is provided for students with chronic health problems, ensuring participation as health permits (ARS §15-346).
Schools must provide two daily recess periods for students in Grades K–5 and may count physical education classes toward the requirement (ARS §15-118). Physical education class can be a substitute for required recess in Grades K–5 (ARS §15-118).
State standards encourage assessments to promote fitness and activity but do not mandate specific fitness evaluation tools. Local school districts may implement additional fitness assessments as part of their programs (Ariz. Admin. Code R7-2-301).
A minimum indoor physical education area is 1,600/2,600/5,100/7,500 sq ft based on school size and proportional increases for larger facilities with no less than 125 sq ft per student in class in schools for the deaf and blind (Ariz. Admin. Code R7-6-249). Outdoor equipment must include hardscapes equivalent to a basketball court per every 300 students (Ariz. Admin. Code R7-6-750).
Online courses for physical education are not explicitly addressed, but all physical education programs must meet the same standards as in-person instruction. Dual enrollment programs exclude physical education courses (ARS §15-1821.01).
All teachers, including physical educators, must hold a bachelor’s degree, complete a teacher preparation program, and pass the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment for subject and professional knowledge. Exceptions to the proficiency exam for content knowledge can be made for individuals with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in their content area. A valid fingerprint clearance card is also required (Ariz. Admin. Code R7-2-613).
Programs must accommodate students with disabilities through IEPs or Section 504 plans, ensuring equitable participation in physical education activities (Ariz. Admin. Code R7-6-101). Policies include flexibility for students with chronic health conditions to integrate into regular physical education programs (ARS §15-346).
State boards must provide adequate funding to districts for new construction as existing facilities meet their capacity for students pursuant to the square footage regulations (ARS §41–5741 [O], ARS 41–5711), which includes spaces that may be used for physical education. No state policy details funding or administration requirements specific to physical education.
Schools must align physical education programs with wellness initiatives that address mental health, nutrition, and overall well-being (C.F.R. § 210.31). Wellness policies should integrate physical education with other school health efforts.
The governing boards of school districts are responsible for establishing a teacher evaluation system designed to improve teacher performance and student achievement. The evaluation system must make use of quantitative data on the academic progress for all students and must account for 20-33 percent of the evaluation outcomes (A.R.S. § 15–537). Physical educators are not explicitly specified in the legislation but are defined as certified teachers.
Recent updates emphasize the integration of mental health education within physical education curricula and the provision of flexible accommodations for students with health conditions. Expanded facility and equipment guidelines aim to improve access to quality physical activity spaces (ARS §15-118; Ariz. Admin. Code R7-6-249).
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 Arizona Department of Education at 1535 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 or visit www.azed.gov.