State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
Delaware mandates physical education programs aligned with state-adopted content standards emphasizing physical fitness, motor skill development, and personal and social responsibility (14 Del. Admin. Code §503-5.2-5.3). Programs must include appropriate fitness assessments at specified grade levels.
Physical education requirements may be waived for medical reasons or religious objections if properly documented and approved by school authorities (14 Del. Admin. Code §503-5.4). Schools must maintain records of granted waivers and ensure compliance with state confidentiality laws. James H. Groves High School is also exempt from the physical education requirement.
Schools are encouraged to provide opportunities for physical activity, including classroom breaks and recess, as part of a coordinated school health initiative adding up to a total of at least 150 minutes per week (Del. Code Tit. 14 §4133) according to a one-year pilot in 2006/2007; however, this legislation did not establish ongoing statewide requirements.
Schools must assess the physical fitness of students in Grades 4, 7, and 9 or 10 using a tool designated by the Delaware Department of Education (14 Del. Admin. Code §503-5.5). Assessment results must be shared with parents and guardians and reported to the Department for public review.
The Department of Education governs the maintenance of facilities and equipment. Facilities must be safe and sufficient to meet the state laws of Delaware (Del. Code Tit. 14 Sec. 122).
Regulations do not specifically address online physical education courses, but all programs must comply with state standards and include physical performance assessments (14 Del. Admin. Code §503-5.2).
Physical education teachers must hold a valid standard certificate issued by the Delaware Department of Education, requiring qualifications such as a degree in physical education or completion of an educator preparation program (14 Del. Admin. Code §1564-4.0). Teachers must also pass Praxis content exams to demonstrate competency.
All children, including those with disabilities, must have access to adapted physical education services as required by their IEP (14 Del. Admin. Code §923-8.0). Schools must ensure equitable access to all physical education programs.
Funding for physical education programs is primarily provided by local districts, with supplemental grants available through the Delaware Department of Education for unmet needs according to a one-year pilot in 2006/2007; however, this legislation did not establish ongoing statewide requirements (Del. Code Tit. 14 §4133[b]). Pilot schools may have received additional state support to meet program requirements.
Districts are required to develop wellness policies integrating physical education and nutrition as part of broader health initiatives in accordance with federal nutrition rules (7 C.F.R. §210.31). These policies aim to promote lifelong wellness among students.
State regulation does not provide specific language pertaining to the evaluation of teachers, their curriculums, or programs.
Recent updates include the statewide implementation of fitness assessments and expanded reporting requirements to improve transparency and accountability (14 Del. Admin. Code §503-5.5.2). The Physical Education/Physical Activity Pilot Program has provided a framework for integrating physical education with daily activity goals.
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to Local Education Agencies through curriculum standards and graduation requirements. The Department of Education publishes a statewide report annually and monitors district documentation for compliance. They do not include specific penalties for noncompliance.
For more details, contact the Delaware Department of Education at 401 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901, or visit www.doe.k12.de.us.