Criteria and standards are dictate through legislation, Section 903 of the Department of Education Appropriations Act. Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, must be presented upon enrollment. All children entering school must also provide proof of immunization and vision screening. For 1999-2000, 523.5 hours are required. The mission of the School Health Programs Units is to provide leadership, direction, and guidance to local and intermediate school districts so that the K-12 curricula are aligned with assessment, professional development, and educational strategies leading to improved student results.
Staff also work with the physical education programs in the schools across the state.
Curricula must be approved by the local board of education after holding two public meetings regarding the curriculum to be implemented. A school district may credit a student's participation in extracurricular activities involving physical activity as meeting the physical education requirement. School district decides how much health and physical education is required and whether waivers for physical education will be allowed. Local school boards choose curriculum to be implemented. K-12 that is jointly developed and disseminated by the Departments of Education and Community Health.