State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
The curriculum emphasizes fitness, motor skills, personal health, and safety education as integral components. Competencies are outlined for each grade level, ensuring developmental appropriateness and alignment with state standards (NC Gen. Stat. 115 C-81.5).
While state policy does not address substitutions or waivers for physical education requirements, statewide class-size controls and reporting/penalties exist (K–3) and program enhancement teachers include physical education; both affect staffing for physical education delivery (G.S. 115 C-301[c]).
The law requires public schools to provide at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity for students Grades K–8, and it specifies that physical activity may not be withheld as punishment (G.S. 115 C-81.30[a]-[b]). Schools must also provide developmentally appropriate recess that complements, rather than replaces, physical education (G.S. 115 C-81.30[c]).
Fitness assessments are integrated into the curriculum to monitor student progress and promote individual goal setting. Specific assessment tools or methods are not detailed, but the State Board of Education shall adopt guidelines for the development and implementation of evidence-based fitness testing for students statewide in Grades K–8 (NC Gen. Stat. 115 C-1[37]).
The law requires the State Board of Education to establish standards and guidelines for facilities, equipment, and materials used in physical education as part of the Standard Course of Study (G.S. 115 C-81.5[b][11]).
Regulations do not explicitly address online physical education.
Physical education teachers must hold a North Carolina teaching license (Areas of Licensure, NC DPI). Candidates seeking a Physical Education (K–12) license must pass Praxis 5091 (cut score 152), whereas candidates for Health and Physical Education (K–12) must pass Praxis 5857 (cut score 160; LICN-003: Licensing Testing Requirements Policy).
Physical education programs must accommodate students with disabilities, ensuring their needs are met as specified in their IEP. This includes adaptive physical education and other necessary modifications (NC Gen. Stat. 115 C-106.3).
State funding is available for schools to implement specials programs such as physical education programs, with allocations prioritized for low-wealth districts. Schools must adhere to state standards to maintain eligibility for funding (NC Gen. Stat. 115 C-416; NC Gen. Stat. 115 C-81.5). The State Board of Education is also authorized to allot funds for physical education teachers, facilities, and equipment to ensure schools provide safe and adequate physical education resources (G.S. 115 C-416).
The Health Out-of-School Time (HOST) recognition law requires that an out-of-school time program located on a school site adhere to the local school administrative unit’s wellness policy, as appropriate (G.S. 130 A-131.33[a]). State legislation contains no K–12 statute or rule mandating district-level local wellness policies for the school day; the only related provisions are the HOST recognition sections (NC Gen. Stat. 130 A-131.33).
Regulations do not provide specific criteria for evaluating physical educators.
Recent updates emphasize air quality–based restrictions for outdoor physical activity and increased oversight for wellness program compliance (15 A NCAC 18 A .2832; NC Gen. Stat. 130 A-131.33).
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 reporting, compliance monitoring by the State Board of Education, and periodic audits of class size and program implementation. For classsize noncompliance, statute authorizes audits, correction orders, and a penalty targeted at the superintendent’s salary (withholding state funds for the superintendent’s pay) until compliance—not a generalized withholding of all state funds (G.S. 115 C-301[f],[g],[j]).
For more details, call the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction at (984) 236–2100 or go to 301 N. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.