State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
The curriculum and physical education performance standards emphasizes motor skill development, movement principles, safety practices, and lifelong physical activity. Programs must also address fitness, health literacy, and social-emotional well-being (Nev. Admin. Code § 389.2946, 389.485).
Students may be exempted from physical education requirements for medical, religious, or academic reasons, including enrollment in JROTC, marching band, or verified extracurricular interscholastic athletics and activities. Participation in approved club sports may also qualify for credit substitution (Nev. Admin. Code § 389.488).
State regulations do not mention a required amount of daily physical activity in K–12 schools beyond the required physical education class and physical education standards related to physical activity (Nev. Admin. Code § 389.2425, Nev. Admin. Code § 389.2946, Nev. Admin. Code § 389.386, Nev. Admin. Code § 389.485).
Although statewide fitness assessments for students are not specifically mandated, students are to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness, demonstrated by the ability to develop a plan for physical activity that uses principles of training or conditioning to improve their physical fitness (Nev. Admin. Code § 389.386).
Private schools must maintain adequate facilities and equipment for physical education, ensuring safety and accessibility. This includes indoor and outdoor spaces designed for various physical activities, but no mention of public-school facilities or equipment is made in state legislation (Nev. Admin. Code § 394.040).
Provisions for online physical education courses are not specifically addressed, but any online schooling provided for students in hospitals must be approved by the Department of Education (Nev. Admin. Code § 388.Sec. 10).
Physical education teachers must hold a valid Nevada teaching license with an endorsement in physical education. Adapted physical education (APE) teachers require additional qualifications, including specialized coursework and field experience. Physical education and other designated staff who teach/supervise physical education must establish and maintain current CPR certification under a district plan (Nev. Admin. Code § 391.281, 391.280; Nev. Admin. Code § 391.096, 391.367; Nev. Rev. Stat. 391.092).
APE must be available for students with disabilities as specified in their IEP. Programs must promote equity and inclusivity for all students (C.F.R. §300.108; Nev. Admin. Code § 388.115).
Funding for schools and physical education programs are not specifically addressed in regulations.
Schools participating in the National School Lunch/School Breakfast Program are federally required to implement wellness policies addressing physical activity, health, and nutrition education. These policies must align with state standards to promote overall student wellness (7 C.F.R. §210.31).
Evaluation criteria for physical education teachers are not specified in regulations.
Recent updates emphasize substitutions for physical education credits through approved extracurricular activities and the incorporation of wellness policies that promote daily physical activity (Nev. Admin. Code § 389.488).
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 annual reporting to the Nevada Department of Education, and state monitoring of compliance with physical activity and wellness policy requirements. They do not include specific penalties for noncompliance.
For more details, call the Nevada Department of Education at (775) 687–9200, email info@doe.nv.gov, or go to 700 East Fifth Street, Carson City, NV 89701.