State policy does not specify a number of students per class or a teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
The curriculum must be sequential, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with state and national physical education standards. Schools must include motor skills, self-management, and knowledge necessary for lifelong physical activity, with at least 50 percent of class time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 11–103.9[F]-[G]).
Outdated legislation stated that any student who had exceptional talent in music may, with the approval of the superintendent of schools in independent districts or in elementary districts, substitute the required physical education course with a course in music. This legislation is no longer applicable (Okla. Stat. tit.70, Sec. 11–103).
Elementary schools must provide an additional 60 minutes per week of physical activity beyond the physical education requirement, which may include fitness breaks, recess, or classroom activities. Daily recess is strongly encouraged for all students in Grades K–5 (Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 11–103.9[C]-[D]).
Fitness assessments are not mandated for grading but may be used to identify areas of improvement or strengths in students, and, with teacher assistance, to identify strategies for progress in those areas (Okla Admin. Code § 210:15-3-167).
Regulations do not explicitly mention requirements for facilities or equipment for physical education programs.
Online courses are allowed if approved, but the provision of online physical education courses is not explicitly addressed (Okla Admin. Code § 210:35-9-31).
Oklahoma’s competency-based licensure system lists Physical Education/Health/Safety as a State Board certification area (offered in PreK–12 and in grade-banded options) under the approved certificate areas for teachers (OAC 210:20-9-10.1[a], [12][F], [14]). Candidates seeking this certification must pass the assessments specified in the state’s testing matrix for the Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination as laid out in Oklahoma Administrative Code Appendix A: Competency Requirements by Certification Areas (Physical Education/Health/Safety).
Physical education programs must meet the needs of students of all ability levels, including students with disabilities, and may include adapted physical education in a student’s IEP (Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 11–103.9[G][6]).
School districts are responsible for determining activities and compliance with state physical education requirements.
Every public school must establish a Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committee to develop and recommend wellness policies, including physical activity and nutrition components, to the school principal (Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 24-100a[C]).
Regulations do not provide specific criteria for evaluating physical education teachers.
Recent updates emphasize compliance with SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards, the inclusion of daily physical activity, and the role of Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committees in promoting wellness policies (Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 11–103.9).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to Local Education Agencies through curriculum standards and accreditation requirements. The regulations include enforcement provisions such as annual compliance monitoring. Schools may be reported as deficient on accreditation reports for noncompliance. They do not include specific penalties for noncompliance.
For more details, call the Oklahoma State Department of Education at (405) 521–3301, visit www.sde.ok.gov, or go to 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.