Tennessee sets maximum class sizes by grade band (not physical education–specific), as follows: Grades K–3 average 20 students/maximum 25 students; Grades 4–6 average 25 students/maximum 30 students; and Grades 7–12 average 30 students/maximum 35 students. These limits apply to all classes unless expressly excepted; physical education is not an exception (Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-104[a], [d]).
The instructional program shall include, but should not be limited to, health and physical education. Schools must implement coordinated school health programs that include physical education instruction (Tenn. Code § 49-6- 1022; TN Rules and Regs. 0520-07-02-.02).
Students shall be excused from physical education for medical reasons with proper documentation from a parent or guardian. No specific waivers for physical education credits are mentioned; however, for staffing emergencies, the commissioner may issue an endorsement exemption so a non-endorsed teacher may teach the required elementary physical education class if the Local Education Agency cannot secure a qualified teacher (Tenn. Code § 49-6-1021[e][4], § 49-5-106[j]).
Elementary students must receive at least 130 minutes of physical activity per school week, whereas middle and high school students must have at least 90 minutes per week. Schools must submit an annual report on compliance with physical activity requirements (Tenn. Code § 49-6-1021).
No specific statewide fitness assessment requirements for students are mentioned in the regulations.
School facilities should be made accessible to all students in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, but state regulation contains no physical education–specific statewide facility standards (TN Rules and Regs. 0520-07-02-.03).
Regulations do not explicitly address the provision of online physical education. There are no direct provisions, exceptions, or enabling mechanisms in state statute or administrative rule that permit or describe online or distance learning for physical education. Implementation of online physical education is neither expressly allowed nor directly prohibited and would be at the discretion of LEAs if all state standards and requirements are met.
Physical education must be taught by a licensed teacher with an endorsement in physical education or a physical education specialist; however, for staffing emergencies, the commissioner may issue an endorsement exemption so a non-endorsed teacher may teach the required elementary physical education class if the LEA cannot secure a qualified teacher. Adapted physical education instructors must provide accommodations per federal disability laws (Tenn. Code § 49-6-1021[e][3], § 49-5-106[j]).
Students with disabilities must be provided with accommodations or alternative physical activities as specified in their IEP. Compliance is aligned with the IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Tenn. Code § 49-6-1021[e][2]).
Each LEA is responsible for implementing physical education programs and must submit an annual compliance report. Coordinated School Health coordinators often use state or federal grant funds along with resources from community partnerships to provide schools with the purchase of physical education equipment for every school and the development of staff gyms, all to encourage improved learning through physical activity (Tenn. Code § 49-6-1021[f]; TN Resolution HJR0797).
LEAs are required to implement coordinated school health programs, which must include physical education components. No specific regulations were found regarding school district wellness policies beyond compliance with state health standards (Tenn. Code § 49-6-1022).
No specific teacher evaluation criteria for physical education instructors were found.
Recent updates include the requirement for elementary students to have at least 60 minutes of structured physical education per week. Schools must submit annual reports to track compliance with physical activity requirements (Tenn. Code § 49-6-1021).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to LEAs and include indirect state oversight through general curriculum and graduation requirements. The regulations do not include specific enforcement mechanisms or penalties related to physical education or physical activity policy compliance.
For more details, call the Tennessee Department of Education at (615) 741–5158, visit tn.gov/education, or go to 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243.