Relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the physical education and physical activity requirements applicable to certain specified students and by implementing a graduation requirement related to participation in a cocurricular or extracurricular activity

This bill relates to education, including by modifying provisions related to the physical education and physical activity requirements applicable to certain specified students and by implementing a graduation requirement related to participation in a cocurricular or extracurricular activity. The bill requires each student enrolled in grades one through eight to participate in the physical education curriculum for at least 30 minutes during each school day. Current law requires all physically able students in kindergarten through grade five to engage in a physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes per school day, which may include physical education. The bill provides that physical education shall not be used to meet this physical activity requirement for such students. Current law requires all physically able students in grades 6 through 12 to engage in a physical activity for a minimum of 120 minutes per week, which may include physical education. The bill modifies this provision to apply to all physically able students in grades 9 through 12. The bill also provides that all physically able students in grades six through eight are required to engage in a physical activity for a minimum of 20 minutes per school day and 150 minutes per week, and that physical education shall not be used to meet this physical activity requirement. _____ innovation zone schools to include self-defense in the physical education curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades 6 through 12. The bill provides that each school district, charter school, and innovation zone school is to require that all students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 participate in at least one cocurricular or extracurricular activity as a condition of graduation. The bill defines “cocurricular activity” and “extracurricular activity”. The state board of education is required to adopt rules pursuant to Code chapter 17A to administer this provision.3.16.2. The inclusion of this specification is intended to reinstate the requirement of political subdivisions to comply with any state mandates included in the bill.