State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
Physical education programs must adhere to state content standards, emphasizing fitness, skill development, and lifelong wellness. Curricula must also incorporate personal fitness assessments and concept-based instruction (ND Cent. Code § 15.1–21-01).
There is no specific language about substitution of or exemption from physical education in regulations.
Specific language regarding daily physical activity, time mandates for daily activity, or physical activity as punishment is not included in regulations.
Fitness assessments are required as part of the curriculum, focusing on evaluating and improving students’ personal fitness levels. Schools must provide opportunities for students to engage in self-assessment and goal setting (ND Cent. Code § 15.1–21-02.2).
Specific language pertaining to physical education facilities and equipment are not included in the regulations.
Regulations do not explicitly address online physical education. However, existing provisions allow physical education to be delivered through distance learning options, including online instruction, at the discretion of local school districts, provided all state standards and requirements are met (ND Cent. Code § 15.1–21-02.2; amended by HB 1398, sec 2[4a]).
Language about certification is vague, but physical education instructors must hold a valid North Dakota teaching license with appropriate endorsements. Certification rules require a physical education major (minimum of 16 semester hours, including exercise physiology, injury prevention, methods, and physical education for exceptional children). Teachers of adapted physical education (APE) must demonstrate specialized training or certification to meet the needs of students with disabilities (ND Cent. Code § 15.1-18-10, NDAC 67.1-02-02-02[1][4], NDAC 67.1-02-03-06[7][gg]).
The regulations do not explicitly mention APE or requirements related to equitable access to physical education for students with disabilities, but rules require physical education teacher preparation to include adapted/exceptional children physical education, ensuring access through teacher competency.
The regulations do not explicitly mention state or local funding for physical education programs, local district responsibilities for implementation, or requirements for annual reporting on program effectiveness.
Regulations do not explicitly mention requirements for districts to develop wellness policies that integrate physical activity and nutrition or promote a healthy school environment.
Specific criteria for evaluating physical education teachers are not detailed.
Recent updates include the addition of concept-based fitness requirements for physical education courses and increased emphasis on integrating fitness assessments into curricula (ND Cent. Code § 15.1–21-02.2).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to Local Education Agencies and include indirect state oversight through general curriculum and graduation requirements. However, the regulations do not include specific enforcement mechanisms or penalties related to physical education or physical activity policy compliance.
For more details, call the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction at (701) 328–2260, visit www.nd.gov/dpi, or go to 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 201, Bismarck, ND 58505.