Physical Activity

about physical activity in the Healthy Schools Act

Regular physical activity – a recommended 60 minutes per day – is very important for healthy, happy, thriving children.

The Healthy Schools Act requires that students engage in adequate amounts of physical activity, that all students are able to participate, and that all schools have access to facilities for physical activity.

Title IV of the Healthy Schools Act sets the following goals:

  • Each child will reach 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
  • D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools will promote the goal of 60 minutes per day for each child.
  • DCPS and public charter schools will maximize physical activity throughout the day, for example, by: encouraging students to walk or bike to school; promoting active recess; including physical activity in afterschool and classroom activities; supporting athletic programs

put the Act into action!

To comply with Title IV of the Healthy Schools Act, your school must:

1. Provide physical education in the following amounts:

For grades K-5:

  • School years 2010-11 to 2013-14: at least 30 minutes/week
  • School year 2014-15 and beyond: 150 minutes/week

For grades 6-8:

  • School years 2010-11 to 2013-14: at least 45 minutes/week
  • School year 2014-15 and beyond: 225 minutes/week

For grades 9-12:

  • High schools shall work with OSSE and the State Board of Education to expand physical education.

2. Devote at least 50% of physical education class time to physical activity. Physical activity should be moderate to vigorous as often as possible.

3. Meet the D.C. state learning standards (pdf) for physical education.

4. Provide suitably adapted physical education for any student with disabilities.

5. Not require or withhold physical activity as a punishment for students. Schools must notify teachers about this requirement.

Additionally, to make sure that all schools have access to physical activity facilities, the Healthy Schools Act directs the Department of Parks and Recreation to provide schools access to recreation centers, fields, playgrounds, and other facilities.

resources

  • OSSE document (pdf) on the Act’s physical education and health requirements.
  • OSSE’s Parent’s Guide to Health and Physical Education Standards.
  • OSSE’s D.C. state learning standards - Contains information on what schools are required to teach and offer related to physical activity.
  • PD.C. Department of Recreation - physical activity opportunities - The Healthy Schools Act directs the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation to provide schools access to recreation centers, fields, playgrounds, and other facilities.
  • Fuel Up to Play 60 - a nutrition and physical activity program sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League; schools can apply for funding and incentives for making changes toward healthier eating and more activity.
  • Action for Healthy Kids - offers free and low-cost programs and resources so that children in all schools get to learn about – and engage in – healthy eating and daily physical activity.