Commissioner's Memos

The Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Physical Activity and Nutrition and Body Mass Index for Age Assessment Protocols in Arkansas Public Schools were released for public comment by the State Board of Education on June 13, 2011. As a result of comments received during that public comment period, the Department substantially modified the proposed revisions. On November 14, 2011, the State Board approved and released the rules for a second public comment period. The State Board gave final approval to the rules on February 13, 2012. They became effective on April 27, 2012.

Substantive changes include:

7.10:  Added section to clarify that for grades K-6, physical education classes will have a maximum student-adult ratio of 30:1.  The section also clarified that licensed elementary teachers or licensed physical education teachers would be responsible for physical education instruction in elementary school.

7.11:  Added section to clarify that physical education instruction in grades 7-12 must be provided by a licensed physical education instructor.  The physical education instructor must hold a license that corresponds to the grade levels being taught.

A copy of the rules is attached to this memo for your convenience.