Daily Physical Education
The school district will provide physical education that:
- 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.
Daily Recess
Elementary schools should provide recess for students that:
- is at least 30 minutes a day;
- is preferably outdoors; and,
- encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity verbally and through the provision of space and equipment.
- 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.
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 – 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.
