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 Michigan’s standards, promoting physical literacy and lifelong fitness. Instruction must integrate physical activity, health education, and motor skill development (Mich. Comp. Laws § 380.1278a[1] [a], 380.1278b[3]).
Students may meet physical education requirements through participation in extracurricular or other approved physical activity programs. Waivers are also permitted for medical reasons when supported by a licensed physician’s recommendation. A personal curriculum may modify the health/physical education credit only as permitted by the Michigan Merit Curriculum (e.g., exchanging for additional English Language Arts/Math/Science/Languages Other Than English or approved Career and Technical Education (Mich. Comp. Laws § 380.1502[2], 380.1278a[1][a][iii], 380.1278b[5][i]).
Concussion protocols apply to physical education classes (covered within “athletic activity”), including removal on suspicion and written medical clearance before return and periodic training and parent materials (MCL 333.9155–.9156).
Regulations do not mandate statewide fitness assessments for students.
School districts are required to provide safe appropriate facilities and equipment for physical education, but the regulations do not specify standards for maintenance. Gymnasiums/physical education facilities are “school buildings” for asbestos compliance. Spark Grants cannot fund facilities to meet school physical education/athletics program requirements (Mich. Comp. Laws § R 325.2198; MCL 338.3402(n)(ii); MCL 324.71604(j)).
Regulations do not explicitly mention online physical education, but they include indirect provisions, such as online learning flexibility and personal curriculum modifications, that may allow physical education to be delivered virtually if approved by a Local Education Agency. Dual-enrollment courses expressly exclude physical education (MCL 380.1278a[1][b]; MCL 388.513[d]).
Physical education teachers must hold a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an endorsement in physical education. Teachers providing adapted physical education (APE) must complete specific coursework and field experiences to meet state requirements (Mich. Admin. Code R. 340.1797[a-d]).
APE must be available for students with disabilities as part of their IEP. Teachers must tailor programs to meet diverse student needs and ensure equitable access (Mich. Admin. Code R. 340.1798(a-c)).
The state provides guidance and technical assistance to schools in planning and evaluating physical education programs. Funding for facilities and equipment may be available through grants or local appropriations (Mich. Admin. Code R. 388.273, 7 C.F.R. §210.31).
Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program must establish local school wellness policies that include goals for nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based activities to promote student wellness. There is no state-level enforcement for wellness policies.
Specific requirements for evaluating physical education teachers not included in state regulations.
Recent updates emphasize teacher qualifications for APE and the flexibility of fulfilling physical education requirements through extracurricular activities (Mich. Admin. Code R. 340.1797; Mich. Comp. Laws § 380.1502[2]).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to Local Education Agencies through curriculum standards and graduation requirements. The regulations include enforcement provisions such as required district wellness policies, state accreditation review processes, and local board oversight of instructional programming. They do not include specific penalties for noncompliance.
For more details, call the Michigan Department of Education at (517) 241–7000, email mde-info@michigan.gov, or go to 608 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933.