507.9 APPENDIX B PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Daily Physical Education

The school district will provide physical education that:

• is daily (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 150 minutes a week for elementary students and 225 minutes a week for middle and high school students);

• is for all students in grades K-12 for the entire school year;

• is taught by a certified physical education teacher;

• includes students with disabilities, students with special health-care needs may be provided in alternative educational settings; and,

• engages students in moderate to vigorous activity during at least 50 percent of physical education class time.

• Addresses the development of a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) plan at each school

Curriculum Standards

• There shall be a written physical education curriculum for grades K-12

• Physical education curriculum shall be aligned with NASPE standards; according to adoption by the state of Iowa

Daily Recess

Elementary schools should provide recess for students that:

• is at least 20 minutes a day;

• is preferably outdoors;

• encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity verbally and through the provision of space and equipment; and,

• discourages extended periods (i.e., periods of two or more hours) of inactivity.

When activities, such as mandatory school-wide testing, make it necessary for students to remain indoors for long periods of time, schools should give students periodic breaks during which they are encouraged to stand and be moderately active.   

Physical Activity and Punishment

Employees should not use physical activity (e.g., running laps, pushups) or withhold opportunities for physical activity (e.g., recess, physical education) as punishment. A student recess may be interrupted for unsafe behavior.

Note - Iowa law now requires elementary students, K-5, to have 30 minutes of physical activity, not physical education, per day.  This requirement can be met through a combination of PE, recess, classroom and other activities.  Middle and high school students must have at least 120 minutes of physical activity per week.  Again this is not just physical education but can be met with a combination of PE, school and non-school sponsored athletics and other activities where the body is exerted.  Should a student wish to meet the requirement outside of school, the student and school district must have an agreement detailing the outside activity.  A physical activity sample agreement may be found on IASB's Web site at:  http://www.ia-sb.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=7768  or the Iowa Department of Education Web site: http://www.iowa.gov/educate/.

Waivers and Exemptions

• Students 9-12 may enroll in Contract physical education or cross training; students must have a full schedule to enroll and must work out at a minimum of three hours per week

• All students K-12 may apply for exemptions due to disabilities or religious beliefs

• There is currently no substitutions for grades K-8 for physical education

Optional Issues

Physical Activity Opportunities after School

After-school child care and enrichment programs will provide and encourage—verbally, and through the provision of space, equipment and activities—daily periods of moderate to vigorous physical activity for all participants.

Note:  The above goals are samples.  School districts can choose whatever goals they want based upon their individual school district needs assessments.  The law only requires one goal but the school district can choose as many as it sees appropriate for its school district and students.

These sample goals are divided between those required by federal law, during the school day, and others.  Boards can determine to what extent it wants its goals to reach beyond the school day.