Status of Physical Education in the USA

The 2016 Shape of the Nation™ provides a current picture of physical education in each state across the country.

The 2016 survey and state policy analysis finds areas of both improvement and decline since the 2012 Shape of the Nation. A majority of states have adopted legislation, requirements or guidance for physical education programs, but most do not require a specific amount of instructional time and more than half allow exemptions, waivers, or substitutions.

2016 Shape of the Nation™

• View Full Report
• Read Executive Summary
• Press Release

Shape of the Nation Archives

• View previous editions of Shape of the Nation

SHAPE America Legislative Action Center

• Find resources to contact your legislators in support of physical education