State legislation sets K–6 teacher-to-student ratios and creates a statewide exception for physical education: in Grades 4–6, physical education classes may go up to 28 students (W. Va. Code §18-5-18a; WV CSR 126-42-9).
The current governing standards are the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Wellness Education (Policy 2520.5), which replaced the former Policy 2520.6/126-44 F. All curriculums must align with these updated requirements (WV CSR 126-44E-1; WVDE Policy 2520.5).
Schools that lack certified physical education teachers, appropriate facilities, or would need to significantly alter academic offerings may submit alternate programs for approval by the State Department of Education and the Healthy Lifestyle Council (W. Va. Code § 18-2-7a). JROTC I and II will also fulfill the one credit of required physical education for high school students (WV Code Reg. 126-42-6).
Each school must participate in National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May and involve the community in related events (W. Va. Code § 18-2-7a). Additionally, at least 50 percent of class time in physical education must be spent in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (W. Va. Code Reg. 126-44E-5). Elementary students must be provided at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity or recess, and schools may not withhold physical activity for disciplinary or academic reasons. This requirement embeds structured activity as part of the school day (WV CSR 126-42-4, Charts II & III).
The FitnessGram must be administered to all students as part of the state’s fitness testing requirements (W. Va. Code Reg. 126-44 F-4). The fitness program must assess cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Fitness assessments are required for all students in Grades 4–8 and in the required high school PE course, with modifications for exceptional students (W. Va. Code § 18-2-7a[d]). Schools must collect and report body mass index data to the Department of Education, the Governor, the State Board of Education, and the Legislative Oversight Commission for Health and Human Resources Accountability to track student health trends (W. Va. Code § 18-2-7a).
No specific regulations regarding the provision, maintenance, or funding of school physical education facilities and equipment were found in the regulations; however, the West Virginia Board of Regents has authority to issue revenue bonds of the state from time to time to finance the cost of major renovations, repairs, safety upgrades, and new capital improvements, such as including an all-purpose building for sports and physical education at West Virginia University (WV Code 18–12B-1).
Other physical education courses based on student needs and interests may be paired with an integrated online course, also known as Integrated Physical Education (WV Code Reg. 126-42-6; WV Code Reg. 126-42–12). Students enrolled in a virtual instruction program must be counted in the net enrollment of the school district, must be subject to the same assessment requirements and grading criteria as other students within the district, and receive a diploma from the school district upon completing all required coursework required of in-person students in the district (WV Code 18-5 F-5).
Physical education teachers must hold a valid West Virginia teaching certificate, which requires completion of a state-approved educator preparation program and passing scores on relevant Praxis II exams. All teacher candidates seeking initial licensure, as of 2024, must complete a two-semester residency consisting of 14 weeks/250 hours during the first semester and 14 weeks/500 hours in the second semester (WV Code Reg. 126-114–6.8.c).
No specific policies related to adapted physical education, individualized modifications, or accommodations for students with disabilities in physical education were found.
No specific state funding allocations for physical education programs, facilities, or equipment were found.
Each Local Education Agency (LEA) must establish a local wellness policy for all schools participating in the National School Lunch/School Breakfast Program under the jurisdiction of the LEA. The local wellness policy is a federal requirement that must include methods to promote student wellness and prevent and reduce childhood obesity, and must contain specific goals for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, standards, and nutrition guidelines (WV Code Reg. 126–86-10).
No specific criteria for evaluating physical education teachers were found in the regulations; however, when teacher evaluations are conducted, a public school or school district shall not use video or audio recordings (HB 4274).
Recent updates emphasize participation in National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and require schools to implement fitness testing, including the FitnessGram, for students in Grades 4–8 and high school (W. Va. Code § 18-2-7a).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to LEAs and include indirect state oversight through general curriculum and graduation requirements. Regulations do not include specific enforcement mechanisms or penalties related to physical education or physical activity policy compliance.
For more details, call the West Virginia Department of Education at (304) 558–2681, email wvde@k12.wv.us, or go to 1900 Kanawha Boulevard E., Charleston, WV 25305.