Vermont sets general class-size standards (Grades K–3 average less than 20 students; Grades 4–12 average less than 25 students), and a teacher’s total class roll may not exceed 100 students, except where the program (e.g., physical education) is plainly adaptable to larger numbers while still meeting program goals (22-000-003 § 2121.2.2).
The physical education program must be sequential, developmentally appropriate, and designed to develop student knowledge, skills, and confidence for lifelong physical fitness. It is included within the state’s education quality standards and must align with proficiency-based learning and graduation requirements (Vt. Code R. 22-000-003 § 2120.6; Vermont Stat. Tit. 16 § 136).
No explicit language regarding physical education waivers or substitutions was found.
Students in Grades K–12 must have opportunities for at least 30 minutes of physical activity within or outside of the school day, which may include recess and movement within the curriculum but cannot replace physical education classes (Vt. Code R. 22-000-003 § 2120.6).
Although no explicit fitness assessment requirements for students were found in the regulations, as part of the physical education curriculum, students must document and reflect upon their own personal fitness and develop a plan to achieve their fitness goals (Vt. Code R. 22-000-010-X 5440-08[5.3]; 22-000-003 § 2120.6[e]).
School facility rules prescribe minimum gym dimensions: 42′ × 74′ for middle school and 50′ × 84′ for high school; 3′ or more clear safety space; separate physical education equipment storeroom; and minimum 22′ ceiling height (22-000-014-X § 6139.7). Schools are required to provide a learning environment with sufficient supplies and infrastructure to allow for learning, (as determined by the Local Education Agency Vt. Code R. 22-000-003-X).
No explicit language regarding online physical education courses was found in the regulations; however, online coursework is permitted and must be taught by an online teaching specialist (Vt. Code R. 22-000-010-X).
Physical education teachers must hold appropriate Vermont teaching licenses and endorsements for their assignments, in alignment with state professional educator standards (Vt. Code R. 22-000-003 § 2121.2).
Students with disabilities may receive modifications to their physical education requirements through an IEP or Section 504 plan, ensuring equitable access to physical education (Vermont Stat. Tit. 16 § 2942(2); Vt. Code R. 22-000-003 § 2120.8).
The Vermont Agency of Education is responsible for researching funding opportunities for wellness programs, but no specific state-level funding allocations for physical education programs were found (Vermont Stat. Tit. 16 § 136).
Schools may establish a wellness community advisory council that meets no less than twice a year to develop and implement wellness programs, but no statewide mandate for local wellness policies incorporating physical activity was found (Vermont Stat. Tit. 16 § 136[b]-[e]).
No specific criteria for evaluating physical education teachers were found in the regulations.
Recent updates emphasize a requirement for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day and reinforce the integration of physical education within the state’s proficiency-based learning system (Vt. Code R. 22-000-003 § 2120.6).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education and physical activity policy implementation to LEAs through curriculum requirements and district-level planning (including wellness programs and continuous improvement plans). Regulations include enforcement provisions such as mandated curriculum standards, required annual reporting of school and student performance, state review of district compliance, and technical assistance from the Vermont Agency of Education. If a school fails to meet the standards or make sufficient progress, the Secretary may recommend corrective actions to the State Board as outlined in state law, although no specific penalties for noncompliance are mentioned.
For more details, call the Vermont Agency of Education at (802) 828–1130, email aoe.edinfo@vermont.gov, or go to 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05620.