State officials will set fitness guidelines for Oklahoma schools

The State Department of Education will establish guidelines for schools to assess students' overall fitness and encourage physical activity and healthy habits. The guidelines apply to school districts and cover student fitness testing, staff training, disability and medical exemptions, and parent or guardian opt-outs. The guidelines must follow recommendations from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The guidelines must include training for test administrators. They must include exemptions for students with disabilities, medical conditions, or other factors affecting their ability to complete the test. They must give a parent or legal guardian the option to opt a student out. The requirements take effect November 1, 2026; districts must use the guidelines after the council makes its recommendations and the department establishes the guidelines.

School districts will administer a fitness test to students and use the results to promote healthy activity, adjust opportunities, and encourage participation. The test must measure cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition, using the Presidential Fitness Test or an accepted national program for school-aged children. Districts must wait until the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition makes its recommendations and the State Department of Education establishes guidelines. Districts must use the state guidelines or a nationally accepted fitness-testing program designed for school-aged children. Districts must use performance results to promote daily movement, exercise, and good nutrition; modify physical activity opportunities; and encourage activities inside and outside school. District testing and use of results begin after the council recommendations and state guidelines are established, with the act effective November 1, 2026.