State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
Physical education instruction must follow state academic content standards and provide a sequential, developmentally appropriate curriculum. At least 50 percent of physical education class time must involve moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (ORS 329.496[2]-[3]).
Substitutions for physical education requirements are not addressed explicitly, but waivers for time requirements may be granted in cases of a medical condition that creates a barrier to achievement, emergencies, or natural disasters. For Grades K–5, districts may include up to 45 minutes/week of approved activities taught by non-physical education–endorsed teachers if reviewed by a physical education–endorsed teacher (ORS 329.496[3][B]; [8]).
Daily physical activity is encouraged, with physical education class time designated to meet physical activity standards. Schools must also provide schedules that include planned activities, and physical activity to parents and staff (ORS 329.045; OR Admin. Rule 414-310-0170).
Fitness testing is not explicitly mentioned, but school districts are required to collect data on the number of physical education minutes provided and assess physical fitness progress regularly. These data are reported biennially to the Legislative Assembly (ORS 329.496[5]; ORS 329.498; OR Admin. Rule 581-022-2265).
Schools must maintain adequate facilities and equipment for physical education. The Department of Education collects data on the additional facilities required to meet physical education time requirements (ORS 329.498).
Regulations do not explicitly address online physical education courses; however, online courses are allowed provided that more than 50 percent of the core courses offered by the school are at a physical location and are not online courses. Physical education is listed as one of the “core courses” (OR Admin. Rule 581-026-0300).
Physical education teachers must hold appropriate licensure with endorsement in physical education. Educators teaching adapted physical education (APE) must complete a state approved preparation program (OR Admin. Rule 584-220-0155; OR Admin. Rule 584-420-0425; OR Admin. Rule 584-420-0610; OR Admin. Rule 584-225-0020).
APE must be provided for students with disabilities as specified in their IEP or individualized health plan. Programs must ensure equitable access to physical education for all students (ORS 329.496[4]; OR Admin. Rule 584-420-0610).
The state provides grants for hiring physical education specialists and offering professional development. Schools may apply for additional funding to support physical education programs and meet instructional time requirements (ORS 329.501; OR Admin. Rule 581-020-0250).
School districts must develop and implement wellness policies that incorporate physical activity and nutrition. These policies must align with state health promotion goals in accordance with federal regulations for schools participating in the National School Lunch/School Breakfast Program (7 C.F.R. §210.31).
Specific criteria for evaluating physical educators are not detailed.
Recent updates include increased physical education minute requirements for Grades K–8, data-reporting requirements, and provisions for APE programs (ORS 329.496; OR Admin. Rule 584-420-0610).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to Local Education Agencies and include indirect state oversight through general curriculum and graduation requirements. Districts found out of compliance may be designated as nonstandard and required to take corrective action, but there are no specific penalties for noncompliance.
For more details, call the Oregon Department of Education at (503) 947–5600, visit www.oregon.gov/ode, or go to 255 Capitol St. NE, Salem, OR 97310.