Local school officials are expressing support for Tennessee's new recess law, which requires elementary schools to provide at least 40 minutes of daily activity.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, and Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, significantly increases physical activity requirements from the previous mandate of 130 minutes per week. The legislation was signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Bill Lee and took effect in July ahead of the current 2025-26 school year.
ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Schools’ School Health Coordinator Jennifer Norton said the district has been prepared for this change. She said the increase will build on other district initiatives geared toward encouraging student fitness, such as the “Morning Mile,†a before-school program where students walk or run before classes begin.
Norton noted that student wellness is directly linked to academic performance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students who engage in regular physical activity can score 40% higher on exams.
Norton said physical activity also helps keep students focused, and puts them in a better mood overall.
“Active students are healthier, happier, and more ready to learn,†Norton said. “Regular movement during the school day boosts focus, improves mood, supports healthy growth, and builds lifelong habits for well-being. By making physical activity a priority at school, we set students up for success, both in the classroom and in life.â€
ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Schools’ Communication Coordinator Collin Brooks said district educators expect “no logistical concerns†with implementing the new change in district schools moving forward.
“Schedules just had to be reworked to accommodate this new law,†he said.
Washington County Schools Director of Coordinated School Health Kelly Wagner emphasized the law's impact on student learning and overall personal development.
“Transitioning from a minimum of 130 minutes per week to 40 minutes per day for elementary students represents a noteworthy shift toward integrating movement consistently within the school day," Wagner said. “This approach supports sustained energy levels, improves attention spans, and cultivates lifelong fitness habits.â€
While the changes will require some schedule adjustments in schools, Wagner expressed confidence in the district’s ability to meet the requirements. She said the district has already been encouraging daily movement among students.
“We may need to adjust schedules, plan for indoor activities during bad weather, ensure adequate supervision, and support schools with fewer resources,†she said. “These factors present challenges; however, we are confident that we will implement the new requirements of the law with fidelity and success.â€
The new recess requirement is part of a broader shift in Tennessee education policy aimed at keeping students more engaged in school. Among other recent changes, the state now requires local boards of education and public charter schools to restrict cell phone use in schools. The law, which also went into effect in July, prohibits students from using a wireless communication device during instruction.
The recess law also specifies that recess must include unstructured outdoor play except during extreme weather, and prohibits the use of devices during physical activity. Schools are also banned from withholding physical activity as punishment.
Wagner said she views the legislation as a positive step forward in advancing student health.
“Overall, [the new mandate] marks a positive step toward normalizing daily movement and acknowledging its vital role in healthy child development,†she said.
