Physical education instruction must follow a sequential curriculum that develops motor skills, movement patterns, fitness knowledge, and responsible behavior (Wis. Admin. Code PI § 18.03[5]).
A school board may allow a student who participates in sports or in another organized physical activity to complete an additional one half credit in English, social studies, mathematics, science, or health education in lieu of one half credit in physical education (Wis. Stat. Sec. 118.33).
No more than 30 minutes per day may be counted for recess (Wis. Admin. Code PI Sec. 8.01[2][f]).
No explicit fitness assessment requirements for students were found in the regulations.
Physical facilities, equipment, and materials shall be provided for a program which includes opportunities for learning basic concepts and skills in health and physical education (Wis. Admin. Code PI Sec. 8.01).
No explicit language regarding online physical education courses was found in the regulations; however, Local Education Agencies must ensure that any individual who provides instruction in a subject through an online course offered from another state to students enrolled in a school in the school district holds a valid license or permit to teach the subject and level in the state from which the online course is provided (Wis. Stat. Sec. 121.02[a]3).
Physical education teachers must hold a valid Wisconsin teaching license with a physical education endorsement (Wis. Admin. Code PI § 34.047[3][n]). Teachers providing adapted physical education (APE) must obtain an APE license, which requires completing an approved preparation program (Wis. Admin. Code PI § 34.075).
Courses in physical education may not discriminate based on sex in the provision of facilities, equipment, instruction, financial support, or participation opportunities (Wis. Stat. § 119.22). Wisconsin defines “special education” to include instruction in physical education, and students with disabilities must receive APE as part of free appropriate public education (FAPE). Teachers must hold an APE license to provide these services (Wis. Stat. §115.76[15]; Wis. Admin. Code PI 34.075).
No specific state funding allocations for K–12 physical education programs, facilities, or equipment were found.
While there is no standalone local wellness policy requirement, state law requires instruction on lifelong health knowledge, including physical education and nutrition, within the statutory educational goals. Local districts embed wellness within curriculum standards rather than separate policy mandates (Wis. Stat. §118.01[2][d]).
Each school district board shall establish specific criteria and a systematic procedure to measure the performance of licensed school personnel. The written evaluation shall be based on a board adopted position description, including job-related activities, and shall include observation of the individual’s performance as part of the evaluation data. Evaluation of licensed school personnel shall occur during the first year of employment and at least every third year thereafter (Wis. Admin. Code PI Sec. 8.01).
No recent changes to physical education and physical activity policies were explicitly identified.
Compliance with physical education standards is enforced through the Department of Public Instruction’s review and audit process that can be initiated by individuals or organizations. School districts found to not be in compliance with PI 8.01 requirements must submit a corrective action plan. Noncompliance can result in the state superintendent withholding up to 25 percent of state aid until compliance is achieved (Wis. Admin. Code PI 8.01(1); Wis. Stat. § 121.02[2]-[4]).
For more details, call the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction at (608) 266–3390, email dpi@dpi.wi.gov, or go to 125 South Webster Street, Madison, WI 53703.