Act 1748 of 2001 seeks to improve the health of Arkansas' school children by mandating every public education institution, serving grades kindergarten through nine, offer physical education training and instruction. In accordance with the legislation:
"Every kindergarten through grade nine (K-9) public educational institution in this state shall require no less than one (1) hour per week of physical education training and instruction which includes no less than twenty (20) minutes of physical activity three (3) times a week for every student who is physically fit and able to participate."
Representative Tracy Steele, lead sponsor of the legislation, is working with the Department to provide schools the opportunity, during the 2001-02 school year, to develop a quality "…physical education program which fits effectively and efficiently into the school's existing organization...." This legislation is effective August 13, 2001.
In an effort to comply, schools must work to ensure that public school students in grades kindergarten through nine receive the required physical activity. Examples of acceptable physical activity may include, but are not limited to:
¨ general calisthenics during a home room period;
¨ organized activities during recess periods;
¨ organized school athletics;
¨ playground play; or
¨ walking nature trails.
The physical activity is not required to take place during school hours and is not required to be a separate class. Activities could occur during a before or after school program, as a part of an agreement with the local boys and girls club, YMCA or other local providers. However, schools must document that all students are engaged in physical activity that will equal no less than three twenty minute sessions or one hour a week. As a last option, parents can submit documentation that their child is engaged in an organized physical activity outside of the school day that meets the mandated time criteria. However, it is expected for the 2002-03 school year that scheduled physical activities will be established into the existing school day for K-9 public school students that meet the mandate of Act 1748 of 2001.