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 Nebraska standards and include skill development, health-related physical fitness, and lifelong activity habits. Programs emphasize active participation, health literacy, and nonparticipation in high-risk behaviors (Neb. Admin. R. 10-004).
Medical exemptions are allowed if documented by a healthcare provider. Participation in extracurricular activities or interscholastic athletics is not permitted as a substitute for required physical education credits (Neb. Admin. R. 10-004.04B7; Neb. Admin. R. 10-004.03 A).
Schools are encouraged to promote physical activity and health throughout the school day. Recess is included in elementary education as part of the health and wellness program (Neb. Admin. R. 10-004.02 A).
Statewide fitness assessments are not mandated in Nebraska. Schools may implement fitness assessments at their discretion.
Schools must maintain safe and appropriate facilities for physical education, including gyms and outdoor areas. Proper maintenance and accessibility are required to meet state standards (Neb. Admin. R. 10-004.01 F).
Regulations do not explicitly mention online physical education, but they include indirect provisions that may allow Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to deliver physical education through online or instructional formats if aligned with state standards and approved locally (92 NAC 14-004.04D[1][a–b], [2][a–b], 14-007.01A1[a]).
Physical education teachers must hold a valid Nebraska teaching certificate with endorsements in physical education or health and physical education. Adapted physical education (APE) endorsements require additional coursework and field experiences (Neb. Admin. R. 24-006.01, 24-006.39, 24-006.27).
APE must be provided for students with disabilities as part of their IEP. Programs must ensure equitable access to physical education for all students with a verified disability and incorporate multicultural education (Neb. Admin. R. 10-004, 92 NAC 51-007.07C2).
Local districts are responsible for funding and administering physical education programs. Resources and technical assistance are provided by the Nebraska Department of Education (Neb. Admin. R. 10-004).
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. Local wellness policies are not specifically addressed in state-level regulations (7 C.F.R. §210.31).
The regulations do not specify requirements for evaluating physical education teachers.
Recent updates emphasize the importance of instructional units in personal health and physical fitness and the inclusion of wellness policies to support physical activity (Neb. Admin. R. 10-004).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to LEAs through curriculum standards and graduation requirements. The regulations include enforcement provisions such as local board oversight and state accreditation reviews conducted by the Nebraska Department of Education. They do not include specific penalties for noncompliance.
For more details, call the Nebraska Department of Education at (402) 471–2295, email nde.info@nebraska.gov, or go to 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509.