State of the States Policy Report: Physical Education and Physical Activity Policy in the United States and its Territories

Abstract This State of the States Policy Report represents the most current and comprehensive review of codified U.S. state–level policies related to school physical education (PE) and physical activity (PA). Covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the report details legal mandates across 14 categories including physical education instructional time and class size, curriculum/assessment requirements, teacher certification, inclusion and equity, online PE, PA policies, and accountability mechanisms. States vary in policy scope and enforcement, reflecting the decentralized nature of education governance in the United States. The report employs a standardized and AI-assisted methodology to ensure accuracy, transparency, and scalability for future updates. This report is a vital resource for educators, administrators, researchers, and advocates, enabling users to identify policy strengths, gaps, and areas for reform.