State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
The curriculum must align with the Maine Learning Results and focus on fostering physical well-being, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills. It must also promote lifelong health and fitness through motor skills and physical activity (Me. Code R. Ch. 05 132, Me. Rev. Stat. Tit 20-A § 6209).
There are no explicit provisions for waivers or substitutions based on extracurricular activities or other participation.
No specified mandatory daily recess or physical activity–time requirements outside of physical education classes are noted in the regulations.
Statewide mandates for fitness assessments in schools are not included in the regulations. Districts must operate a local assessment system that yields results in health and physical education in required grade spans (Me. Code R. Ch. § 05 071–127-4).
Maine law defines “school building” to include facilities for physical education (20-A § 4101[2]), and the state’s major capital school construction rating explicitly evaluates physical education and play areas (Ch. 61 § 3). These do not set physical education–specific maintenance standards but do affect planning and capital prioritization.
Regulations do not explicitly mention online physical education, but they include indirect provisions that may allow Local Education Agencies to offer physical education through online instructional formats if aligned with state learning standards.
Physical education teachers must hold appropriate certification as required by the Maine Department of Education. Additional certifications are necessary for teaching APE (Endorsement 515; Me. Code R. Ch. 05, § 071-115-II-1).
Students with disabilities must have access to APE as part of their IEP. Schools are required to ensure equitable access to physical education courses for all students (Me. Code R. Ch. 05, §515).
The Obesity and Chronic Disease Fund supports new equipment, staff training, and administrative costs for implementing physical education programs in elementary schools. This funding does not extend to existing programs (Me. Rev. Stat. Tit. 20-A §6631).
No specific requirements for local wellness policies or their implementation are mentioned in state regulations, but any LEA that participates in the National School Lunch/School Breakfast Program must adopt and implement a Local School Wellness Policy and complete triennial assessments, per federal rule (7 C.F.R. §210.31).
No specific evaluation criteria or processes for physical education teachers are noted in state regulations.
The inclusion of the Obesity and Chronic Disease Fund to support physical education initiatives represents a notable update (Me. Rev. Stat. Tit. 20-A §6631). Health education must address the relationship between mental and physical health (2021, c. 190, §2[AMD]). As of 2024, ME Rev. Stat. Tit. 20-A Sec. 4723 now explicitly includes instruction on affirmative consent and fentanyl risks in high school health.
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to LEAs through curriculum standards and graduation requirements. The regulations include enforcement provisions such as required local wellness policies, school administrative unit oversight, and periodic program reviews by the Maine Department of Education. They do not include specific penalties for noncompliance (Ch. 127 – Comprehensive Assessment System).
For more details, call the Maine Department of Education at (207) 624–6600, email info@maine.gov, or go to 23 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.