State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
The physical education curriculum must emphasize fitness, motor skills, and leisure-time activities to benefit students after graduation. Instruction should align with state-defined educational standards (Iowa Admin. Code r. 281–12.5[3][f]).
Students may request waivers for reasons such as religious beliefs, academic conflicts, military training, or participation in equivalent extracurricular activities that meet physical activity requirements. Exemptions may apply for students participating in academic coursework, work-based learning, or JROTC programs (Iowa Code § 256.11[6][a]).
Daily physical activity is required for all K–5 students and must total at least 30 minutes, while students in Grades 6–12 must complete 120 minutes of physical activity weekly. Schools may not reduce instructional time in core subjects to meet physical activity requirements (Iowa Code § 256.11[6][b]).
Regulations do not specify statewide fitness assessment requirements.
Regulations do not include specific provisions for the maintenance, safety, or use of physical education facilities and equipment.
Regulations do not explicitly mention online physical education; however, they include provisions that could allow Local Education Agencies to offer physical education through virtual or blended delivery models, provided they meet accreditation and curriculum standards (Iowa Code §256.11[17]).
Physical education teachers must hold valid teaching licenses and endorsements for K–8 and Grades 5–12 as specified by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (Iowa Admin. Code r. 282-13.28[14]).
Students with disabilities must receive appropriate adapted physical education (APE) services as prescribed in their IEP. Public agencies are required to provide these services directly or arrange for external programs as necessary (Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-41.108[3]).
A grant program exists to help with the funding and implementation of different strategies, polices, and programs to encourage and improve healthy living in the community (IA Code Sec. 135.27).
Schools and districts must establish policies that support students in meeting federal requirements. This includes maintaining documentation such as schedules and student handbooks to ensure compliance (Iowa Admin. Code r. 281–12.5[18][b], 7 C.F.R. §210.31).
The regulations do not include explicit requirements for evaluating physical education teachers.
Recent updates incorporate daily and weekly physical activity requirements for students in Grades K–12 and the inclusion of APE services for students with disabilities. Students must complete CPR certification by graduation (limited waiver permitted). While serving in the Legislative Page Program, a student is excused from high school physical education and from the weekly physical activity requirement and receives one half unit of social studies credit (Iowa Code § 256.11[18], Iowa Code § 256.11[6][c]).
Iowa employs Phase I/II monitoring, annual public noncompliance reports, and can condition or withhold funds, require corrective action, and, in cases of persistent noncompliance, de-accredit or merge districts/schools (Iowa Code § 256.11[10]–[12]).
For more details, call the Iowa Department of Education at (515) 281–5294, email edinfo@iowa.gov, or go to Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319.