State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
Colorado requires physical education programs to promote lifelong health and fitness while addressing physical, mental, and social well-being. Instruction must be developmentally appropriate and aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards (comprehensive health and physical education) adopted by the State Board/Colorado Department of Education (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22–32-136.5[1][b]).
Waivers may be granted for students unable to participate due to health reasons, provided modifications are made to meet their individual needs. Schools may reduce required activity minutes only in response to budgetary constraints, maintaining compliance with minimum standards. Schools cannot substitute noninstructional physical activity for standards-based physical education instruction (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22–32-136.5[3][f]).
Physical activity must include structured and unstructured activities such as fitness breaks, recess, and physical education classes (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22–32-136.5[2]). Pursuant to this legislation, Colorado prohibits corporal punishment in public schools, which includes the use of physical activity as punishment.
Regulations do not mandate statewide fitness assessments but encourage monitoring through locally determined policies. Assessment outcomes may inform school performance reports (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22-11–503[3][g]).
Legislation does not provide explicit guidance on the maintenance, purchase, storage, or use of equipment and facilities to be used for the purposes of physical education.
Although online physical education courses are not explicitly addressed, programs must comply with all statutory standards, including instructional and activity requirements (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22–32-136.5[3][g]).
Physical education instructors must hold appropriate teaching credentials or endorsements, ensuring professional competency in delivering comprehensive physical education programs (1 CCR 301-101–6.03). Adapted physical educators must complete additional specialized training.
Colorado mandates inclusive physical education opportunities, ensuring students with disabilities have equitable access through IEPs or Section 504 plans pursuant to federal legislation such as IDEA and Section 504 (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22-25-102[3][a]).
School districts are responsible for implementing physical education programs, with funding supported by local budgets and state grants, where applicable (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22–32-136). Schools are encouraged to align programs with state wellness policies.
Regulations encourage schools to adopt wellness policies incorporating physical education, nutrition, and mental health initiatives (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22–32-136[5]). Policies should emphasize collaboration with parents, community stakeholders, and educators, and must align to the federal local wellness framework.
Evaluations emphasize instructional effectiveness in fostering lifelong physical activity skills and meeting wellness objectives (1 CCR 301–87-3.2). Observations may include compliance with district policies (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22-11–503[3][g]).
Updates emphasize minimum physical activity requirements, integration of wellness programs, and improved facility standards. Adaptations for students with disabilities have also been enhanced (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22–32-136.5).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to Local Education Agencies through curriculum standards and required district-level policies. The regulations include enforcement provisions requiring each school district to adopt and implement a physical activity policy and assign compliance monitoring responsibilities to district accountability and wellness committees. They do not include specific penalties for noncompliance.
For more details, contact the Colorado Department of Education at 201 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80203 or visit www.cde.state.co.us.