SB1523 Summary

• Changes physical education requirements from mandatory ("shall") to optional ("may") for school boards and universities in Illinois public schools.

• Modifies physical fitness assessment requirements to allow rather than require schools to implement scientifically-based fitness assessments for grades 3-12 beginning in 2016-2017 school year.

• Removes the State Board of Education's mandate to prepare and enforce guidelines for physical education courses across various grades and school types.

• Allows schools electing to provide physical education to offer special activities for students with physical or emotional conditions that prevent normal participation.

• Extends waiver and modification periods for mandates from 2 school years to up to 5 school years, removing the previous limitation on renewals for physical education waivers.