State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
Physical education courses must include a developmentally planned and sequential curriculum that enhances health-related fitness, movement skills, and personal and social development. Courses must align with the Illinois Physical Education Standards (105 ILCS 5/27-7).
Student physical education excusals are limited by statute: Grades 11–12 may be excused for ongoing interscholastic athletics or to take academic courses required for college admission or graduation; Grades 9–12 may be excused for marching band (for credit) or JROTC; Grades 7–12 may receive case-by-case excusals for interscholastic/extracurricular athletics per local policy. Medical excusals apply, and limited religious-fasting excusals pertain to the activity component (105 ILCS 5/27-6[a]–[b]; 23 Ill. Adm. Code 1.425).
All public schools must provide daily playtime for students in Grades K–5, with at least 30 minutes per day for school days longer than five hours. Playtime must be unstructured and cannot replace physical education requirements (105 ILCS 5/27-6.3).
Schools are required to administer the FitnessGram assessment annually to students in Grades 3–12. Fitness data from Grades 5, 7, and 10 must be submitted to the State Board of Education, and results must not be used for grading or teacher evaluations (105 ILCS 5/27-6.5; IL Admin. Code 23.1.425[g]).
There is no explicit language requiring schools to maintain or use physical education facilities or equipment in a specific manner, but statewide requirements apply (e.g., asbestos definitions expressly include gymnasiums/physical education facilities, and teacher standards include safe use/maintenance of equipment).
Illinois has no physical education–specific “online physical education” authorization. Districts may use the E-Learning Days Program (remote instruction in lieu of emergency days) if approved, with access, five clock hours, and other requirements; this approval is not a standing waiver of §27-6 (23 Ill. Adm. Code 1.422).
Physical education teachers must hold an Illinois teaching license with an endorsement in physical education aligned with the SHAPE America PETE standards by October 1, 2024. Districts must prioritize hiring physical education teachers with the physical education endorsement (short-term approvals are strictly conditioned; 23 Ill. Adm. Code 27.270; 105 ILCS 5/22-96[a]).
Adapted physical education is required for students with disabilities as specified in their IEP or Section 504 plan. Schools must ensure coeducational access to all physical education courses. Fitness assessments must also be compliant with student IEPs or Section 504 plans (IL Admin. Code 23.200.60; 105 ILCS 5/27-6).
The Illinois State Board of Education must maintain a Nutrition and Physical Activity Best Practices Database, which includes information on successful wellness policies and fitness testing results from local school districts. Schools are encouraged but not required to contribute data, and the database is made accessible statewide to support program improvement (105 ILCS 110/3.5[a-c]).
Districts are encouraged to adopt wellness policies aligned with CDC recommendations, including physical activity and nutrition goals. Model policies are distributed by the State Board of Education (105 ILCS 5/2–3.139).
No specific requirements for evaluating physical education teachers are mentioned in regulations.
Fitness assessment reporting requirements and the incorporation of unstructured playtime for elementary students represent recent policy updates (105 ILCS 5/27-6.3; 105 ILCS 5/27-6.5).
Although state law requires a minimum of three days per five-day week of physical education, Illinois does not mandate statewide monitoring of physical education instructional minutes. Statewide fitness reporting is required (Grades 5/7/10; 105 ILCS 5/27-6; 23 Ill. Adm. Code 1.425[g]).
For more details, call the Illinois State Board of Education at (217) 782–4321, email info@isbe.net, or go to 100 North First Street, Springfield, IL 62777.