Texas board adopts rule requiring daily elementary phy ed classes - Research Updates

Melpomene Journal, Fall-Winter, 2002

In March 2002, the Texas Board of Education reinstated rules that will require daily physical education classes in kindergarten through grade 6. The rule will requite students to spend at least 30 minutes a day or 135 minutes a week in a physical education class or structured physical activity that meets Texas curriculum requirements.

The board addressed this matter in response to the legislature's passing of a law that reinstated daily physical activity for elementary students. The new law also directs the Texas Education Agency to provide school districts with a coordinated student health education program.

Currently, physical education classes are required for high school students in grades 9 through 12, but not for younger students. Phy ed was a daily requirement for elementary students until 1995, when many schools cut their requirements to place a greater emphasis on academics.

-- National Governors Association, Center for Best Practices