The maximum class size for health and physical education (K–8) and for physical education I and II in public schools is 40 students (LAC 28: CXV-913[C]). Nonpublic rules set general caps and recognize activity classes separately (LAC 28:LXXIX-707[A]).
The state-adopted curriculum emphasizes motor skills, health-related fitness, and lifetime activities (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § LIII-103[A-E]).
High school students may substitute one half unit of marching band, extracurricular sports, cheering, or dance team for part of their physical education requirement. Medical waivers/exemptions are allowed with proper documentation, and JROTC credits may also fulfill physical education requirements (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § CXV-2357[A-F]).
Students not enrolled in a physical education course are encouraged to participate in 30 minutes of MVPA daily, consistent with individual abilities. Schools must also establish school health advisory councils to provide input on physical activity, nutrition, and health education (La. Rev. Stat. § 17:17.1[A][1], [D]).
Students must perform a fitness assessment in Grades 4 and 5 (La. Admin. Code tit. 28 § LIII-507. Standard 3).
Facilities should meet the educational needs of the program and safeguard the health and safety of students (La. Admin. Code tit. 28 § CXV-1501).
Regulations explicitly dictate health education (one half unit) to be delivered for any student who is required to enroll in a physical education course for two consecutive school years through approved online courses that meet state content standards (La. R.S. 17:17.8 [2024]). Louisiana rules do not create a physical education–specific online-delivery pathway. Physical education graduation units and substitutions are controlled by LAC 28:CXV-2357/LXXIX-2319.
Physical education teachers must hold a valid Louisiana teaching certificate. Adapted physical education (APE) certification requires additional coursework in areas such as motor development and learning, and special education competencies (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § CXXXI-1335). Pursuant to state code, school systems may offer a Temporary Authority to Teach (TAT) provided they can demonstrate workforce need and that a good-faith effort was made to recruit certified personnel. Individuals may receive a TAT if they possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have a minimum 2.20 cumulative GPA. TATs are issued for one year initially but may be renewed twice thereafter (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § CXXXI-527).
APE must be provided for students with disabilities as specified in their IEP, including assessments to determine appropriate services. The evaluation process includes observations and motor assessments by certified APE teachers (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § CI-1303[A-D], LAC 28:CI-1303).
Monetary awards may be granted to schools with outstanding physical activity programs when funds are available. The state collaborates with organizations to develop outreach plans for health, fitness, and nutrition (La. Rev. Stat. § 17:17.2[C]).
Each local school board must establish a School Health Advisory Council to advise on student health, physical activity, and nutrition policies. Councils may provide guidance on recess and compliance with vending machine restrictions (La. Rev. Stat. § 17:17.1[D]).
All teachers, including physical educators, must be evaluated using the Louisiana Educator Advancement and Development System (LEADS), in which no criteria specific to teaching physical education is included. The annual evaluation requirement is outlined in state statute (La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3902).
Recent updates mandate daily physical activity for Grades K–8 and expand options for high school physical education credit substitutions (La. Rev. Stat. § 17:17.1[A]; La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § CXV-2357). They also include TAT requirements implemented in response to school systems that claim they are unable to hire certified teachers (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § CXXXI-527).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to Local Education Agencies through curriculum standards and graduation requirements. Regulations include enforcement provisions such as required school wellness policies, mandatory fitness assessments in specific grades, and district-level reporting to the LA Department of Education but include no specific penalties for noncompliance (La. R.S. 17:17.4(B),(E), LAC 28:XI-805).
For more details, call the Louisiana Department of Education at (877) 453–2721, email LDOECommunications@ la.gov, or go to 1201 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.