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The American Heart Association applauds Minnesota Department of Education's new position on required health and physical education in Minnesota schools.  The updated interpretation of current Minnesota law requires that health and physical education must be taught in Minnesota schools from grades K-10.

The Compulsory Instruction Law makes it clear that instruction in health and physical education is required fro all students ages 7-16, as well as children in kindergarten programs.

As you know, we have been relying on an interpretation of the law by the
Minnesota Department of Education following the repeal of the Profile of Learning that provided that health and physical education need be offered, but not required, in Minnesota schools from grades 9-12 and that health and physical education need not even be offered in grades K-8. As a result of this interpretation, many school districts have proposed, reduced, or eliminated health and physical education from the lives of our children.

Did you know…

• Physical education had been required in Minnesota since 1923.
• The Minnesota Legislature eliminated the requirement for health and physical education in 2003 when it established a new high school graduation requirement system.
• As a result, beginning in 2003, physical education and health education must be taught at least once (each) during high school. School districts have the authority to determine if these elective credit courses are required for graduation.
• Physical education and health instruction must be taught at all grade levels at the elementary and middle/junior high levels.