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Physical education is an academic subject and is part of a well-rounded education. While many states require K-12 students to participate in some level of physical education, many physical education practices can be improved to help students meet the national recommendation of engaging in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

Physical education has a positive impact on students’ physical, mental, and emotional health. Students who take physical education build the ability, confidence, and desire to continue to be active in adulthood. “Strengthen Physical Education in Schools” provides partners in both the education and public health fields with national data that describes the state of physical education in schools in the United States, and identifies key policies and practices that school districts and schools can put in place to promote and strengthen physical education.

The data brief was produced by the National Network of Public Health Institutes and Health Resources in Action through Cooperative Agreement CDC-RFA-DP16-1601 with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.