Bill > S1976

This bill mandates that physical education be taught as a required subject for all students in public and commonwealth charter schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, with the goal of promoting their physical well-being. The bill defines "age-appropriate" as teaching methods suitable for children's developing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral capacities, and specifies that physical education should be evidence-based, covering physical activity, fitness, nutrition, and wellness, with a focus on developing physical competence, health-related fitness, and enjoyment of physical activity. It also includes an exemption for students whose licensed physician certifies that physical education exercises would be injurious to them. Furthermore, the bill requires the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, in collaboration with the commissioner of public health, to evaluate current physical education standards and practices in schools, including district practices, course offerings, class duration, frequency, and recess time, as well as appropriate physical activity levels for all children, and to report their findings and recommendations by April 1, 2018. This section of the bill will take effect for the 2017-2018 school year.