§ 7261b. Program authorized

(a) Authorization The Secretary is authorized to award grants to local educational agencies and community-based organizations (such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and the Young Men’s Christian Organization (YMCA) and Young Women’s Christian Organization (YWCA)) to pay the Federal share of the costs of initiating, expanding, and improving physical education programs (including after-school programs) for kindergarten through 12th-grade students by—

(1) providing equipment and support to enable students to participate actively in physical education activities; and

(2) providing funds for staff and teacher training and education.

(b) Program elements A physical education program funded under this subpart may provide for one or more of the following:

(1) Fitness education and assessment to help students understand, improve, or maintain their physical well-being.

(2) Instruction in a variety of motor skills and physical activities designed to enhance the physical, mental, and social or emotional development of every student.

(3) Development of, and instruction in, cognitive concepts about motor skill and physical fitness that support a lifelong healthy lifestyle.

(4) Opportunities to develop positive social and cooperative skills through physical activity participation.

(5) Instruction in healthy eating habits and good nutrition.

(6) Opportunities for professional development for teachers of physical education to stay abreast of the latest research, issues, and trends in the field of physical education.

(c) Special rule

For the purpose of this subpart, extracurricular activities, such as team sports and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program activities, shall not be considered as part of the curriculum of a physical education program assisted under this subpart.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title V, § 5503, as added Pub. L. 107–110, title V, § 501, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1841.)