State policy specifies a 30:1 ratio of students to teachers in physical education classes in Grades K–6. State regulation. For Grades 7–12, classes are capped at 30 students except for those courses that lend themselves to large-group instruction, which may include physical education.
The Arkansas Physical Education and Health Education Framework mandates standards for a sequential K–12 curriculum. Programs emphasize motor skills, fitness, and lifelong physical activity and integrate health education into the broader curriculum (Ark. Admin. Rules 005-01-05, Section 9.01).
Students may seek waivers from physical education and activity requirements based on medical conditions or religious beliefs (Ark. Code §6-16-132(b)(4), §6-16-137(b)). Local boards may approve alternative health-related coursework for students who qualify. Students in Grades 9–12 participating in and successfully completing an organized physical activity course in their school shall be eligible to receive one half unit of physical education credit.
Public elementary schools (K–6) must establish strategies to provide 40 minutes of daily physical activity and are encouraged to promote extracurricular physical activities (Ark. Admin. Rules 005-01-05, Sections 9.01, 9.03). Recess and integrated classroom activities contribute to meeting these physical activity goals.
Fitness assessments are not mandated but are encouraged to align with physical education standards to evaluate student health and engagement in physical activity. State regulations do require BMI-for-age screening in Grades K, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 with defined protocols and training (Ark. Admin. Rules 005-28-20).
Facilities must comply with state accreditation standards to ensure safe and accessible physical education environments. Specific guidelines for physical education class sizes and supervision ratios, such as 30:1 for Grades K–6, must be maintained (Ark. Admin. Rules 005-01-05, Section 9.02).
Online physical education courses are not explicitly addressed in the guidelines. Physical education must meet state standards for skill development and assessment (Ark. Admin. Rules 005-19-05, Section 3.01).
Physical education instructors in Grades K–12 must hold a physical education certification appropriate to the grade level, effective as of 2012 (Ark. Admin. Rules 005-01-05, Section 9.06). Certification ensures adherence to the curriculum frameworks and standards.
Modified physical education courses are required for students with physical or mental disabilities, tailored to their needs (Ark. Code §6-16-132[b][3]). Schools must also provide accommodations based on IEPs or Section 504 plans.
The Arkansas Department of Education monitors compliance with physical education standards, and schools may seek grants or donations to enhance program offerings (Ark. Code §20-7-135; Ark. Admin. Rules 005-01-05, Section 6). School wellness committees assist in implementing nutrition and activity standards.
Each school district must maintain a School Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Committee to promote wellness initiatives and enforce nutrition and activity standards (Ark. Admin. Rules 005-01-05, Sections 4.01–4.03).
Schools are assessed annually on their physical education and other physical activity programs, healthy eating, and tobacco-free lifestyle using the School Health Index (Ark. Admin. Rules 005-01-054.03.1).
Updated requirements mandate 150 minutes of weekly physical activity for all grade levels and certified physical education teachers for Grades K–12. Schools are encouraged to expand extracurricular activity programs and integrate wellness goals into district plans (Ark. Admin. Rules 005-01-05, Section 9.05).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to Local Education Agencies through curriculum requirements, mandated instructional minutes, and district-level planning. Although the regulations include general accountability measures such as school wellness evaluations and state oversight, they do not include specific enforcement mechanisms or penalties related to physical education or physical activity policy compliance.
For more details, contact the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education at Four Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201 or visit dese.ade.arkansas.gov.