Assigned to ED FOR
COMMITTEE
Assigned to ED FOR
COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Third Legislature, Second Regular Session
Purpose
Prescribes recess requirements for grades K-5.
Background
Currently, statute is silent on recess except it may not be included as part of instructional hours for funding purposes (A.R.S. § 15-901).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires school districts and charter schools to provide recess during the school day as follows:
a) at least two recess periods for pupils in grades K-5; and
b) at least one recess period for pupils in half-day kindergarten programs.
2. Allows school districts and charter schools to count a pupil's participation in a physical education course as one of the recess periods for that day.
3. Specifies that school districts and charter schools are not required to extend the school day as part of meeting the recess period requirement.
4. Exempts from the recess requirements middle schools, junior high schools, high schools, online schools or schools where fifth grade is the lowest grade of instruction offered.
5. Defines recess as a period of time during the regular school day, including time before or after a scheduled lunch period, during which a pupil is able to engage in physical activity or social interaction with other pupils.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 16, 2018
BL/lb