North Dakota schools would require presidential fitness testing

Schools would require students to participate in the presidential physical fitness test as part of physical education. The requirement covers elementary, middle, and high school physical education courses in North Dakota public and nonpublic schools. The superintendent of public instruction may set test criteria and exceptions in line with federal guidance. This requirement would apply beginning August 1, 2027.

Each public and nonpublic high school would require a half-unit of physical education during every school year, including the presidential physical fitness test. The rule covers students in public and nonpublic high schools, but it does not apply to alternative high schools or alternative high school education programs. Once every four years, the physical education unit must be a concept-based fitness class covering how to assess, improve, and maintain personal fitness. The superintendent of public instruction may set criteria and exceptions for the presidential physical fitness test. The high school requirements would apply beginning August 1, 2027.