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HB 1621

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 15.1-21-01 and subsection 1 of section 15.1-21-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to requiring the presidential physical fitness test in physical education courses in elementary, middle, and high schools; and to provide an effective date.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

North Dakota bill mandates schools administer the Presidential Physical Fitness Test in all PE courses to standardize student fitness assessment requirements statewide.

Committee Hearing 11:00
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1621

Legislative bill overview

HB 1621 amends North Dakota law to mandate that the Presidential Physical Fitness Test (PPFT) be administered in physical education courses across elementary, middle, and high schools. The bill modifies existing statutes governing PE curriculum requirements to explicitly include this standardized fitness assessment as a required component of instruction.

Why is this important

Physical fitness standards in schools affect student health outcomes, PE program design, and resource allocation for educators. The mandate could influence how schools structure PE curricula, what equipment and training teachers need, and how student fitness data is collected and reported statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Test relevance and equity: The PPFT is relatively outdated (last updated in 1980s); debate exists over whether it measures meaningful fitness indicators for modern students or if alternative assessments better serve diverse student populations and abilities
  • Resource and implementation costs: Schools must budget for test administration, staff training, and potential equipment needs; rural and under-resourced districts may face disproportionate compliance burdens
  • Curriculum flexibility: Mandating a specific test reduces local district autonomy in designing PE programs tailored to their student populations and educational philosophy

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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