In an important step toward promoting student health and well-being, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has officially launched a comprehensive review of the state’s K–12 physical education standards, as per this news release. This initiative, recently approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), is part of the state’s standard seven-year review cycle and aims to align physical education practices with the evolving needs of today’s students. The current set of standards was last updated in 2017, making this revision both timely and necessary.

The state’s renewed focus on physical education reflects a growing recognition that physical fitness is just as essential as reading and math when it comes to student development. According to Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, fitness lays a foundation for success beyond the classroom. He emphasized that, like literacy and numeracy, physical activity contributes to long-term well-being and academic performance. By updating the standards now, Louisiana can help students adopt healthy habits, gain essential motor skills, and develop lifelong attitudes toward wellness.

To ensure a well-rounded and inclusive approach to this review, the LDOE is calling on educators, school administrators, parents, higher education faculty, and interested community members from across the state to participate in the review process. Applications for the standards committees are now being accepted, with a deadline of July 31. Those selected will play an instrumental role in shaping the next generation of physical education in Louisiana’s public schools.

The review process is structured to include a steering committee and two grade-band workgroups—one focused on grades K–5 and another dedicated to grades 6–12. These groups will be comprised of stakeholders representing diverse perspectives and professional backgrounds. Members will convene in person beginning in late October at the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge, and all meetings will remain open to the public to promote transparency and collaboration.

The updated standards will be guided by several key priorities. First, the review will seek to enhance the progression of physical fitness skills across all grade levels, ensuring that students build their abilities in a logical and developmentally sound sequence from year to year. In addition, the revised standards will emphasize the importance of teaching age-appropriate motor skills and movement patterns that align with students’ physical and cognitive development. Another major focus will be on embedding instructional practices that promote high-quality teaching for learners of all abilities, supporting equity and inclusivity in every classroom. Lastly, the updated standards will incorporate health-centered outcomes that go beyond traditional fitness goals to encourage lifelong wellness, personal responsibility, and a deeper understanding of how physical activity contributes to overall health.

Once committee selections are finalized this fall, they will be submitted to BESE for formal approval. The revised physical education standards are scheduled to be presented to the board in 2026. Following approval, implementation training for educators and school systems will begin during the 2026–2027 academic year, with full statewide implementation anticipated for the 2027–2028 school year.

This modernization effort highlights Louisiana’s broader commitment to student health and academic readiness. As more data underscores the link between physical activity and improved cognitive function, behavior, and attendance, updated P.E. standards have the potential to produce far-reaching benefits. Schools are increasingly being seen not just as places of learning, but also as critical environments where lifelong habits are formed.

By prioritizing physical education alongside academic subjects, Louisiana is setting a standard for whole-child development. The upcoming revisions will not only guide what students learn during P.E. class but also shape how they think about movement, health, and personal responsibility for years to come.

Those interested in applying for a committee position or learning more about the review process can find application information on the LDOE website.

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