State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
Physical education programs are guided by the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, emphasizing physical fitness, motor skills, and lifelong wellness habits. The curriculum incorporates principles of safety, health literacy, grief, and social-emotional learning (NJSA 18 A:35-4.39; NJSA 18 A:35-4.45).
Substitutions for physical education credits are not addressed in the current regulations.
Childcare facilities are required to promote daily physical activity, with recommendations for structured and unstructured opportunities for all students. Policies also emphasize integrating physical activity throughout the school day, but there is no separate statewide mandate for daily physical activity for K–12 (NJSA 3 A:52-6.1).
Statewide fitness assessments are not mandated; however, local schools may include fitness testing to measure student progress.
Schools must maintain adequate and safe facilities and equipment to support physical education programs. These facilities must meet state and local safety, minimum size, toilet/locker room, and temporary facility standards (NJAC 6 A:26-6.3[b] [7], [h], and 6 A:26–8.1).
Districts may approve individualized student learning opportunities (Option II)—including online learning, independent study, and structured learning experiences—to satisfy physical education/health requirements when students demonstrate competency, per local process (N.J.A.C. 6 A:8-5.1[a]2, 2ii).
Physical education teachers must hold a New Jersey teaching certificate with appropriate endorsements in physical education or health and physical education. Certification also requires training in adapted physical education (APE) and team sports instruction (NJAC 6 A:9B-10.3).
Students with disabilities must have access to APE programs as outlined in their IEP. Schools must ensure reasonable accommodations and modifications for inclusive participation (NJSA 18 A:11–3.7).
Funding for physical education is not specifically addresses.
No specific requirements for local wellness policies or their implementation are mentioned in state regulations, but any Local Education Agency 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).
Regulations do not specify evaluation criteria for physical educators.
Recent updates emphasize grief education in Grades 8–12 as part of the health and physical education curriculum and requirements for daily physical activity integration (NJSA 18 A:35-4.45).
Enforcement of physical education policies occurs indirectly through broader district accountability systems and legal mandates for physical education instruction and graduation credit. However, there are no direct enforcement provisions, penalties, or auditing processes outlined specifically for physical education.
For more details, call the New Jersey Department of Education at (609) 376–3500, email doe.contactus@doe. nj.gov, or go to 100 Riverview Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08625.