Assembly Bill 810 mandates that, starting in the 2026-27 school year, public schools and charter schools in Wisconsin must provide at least 60 minutes of recess each school day for students in grades kindergarten through six. The bill defines recess as supervised, unstructured time for physical activity, play, organized games, or social engagement, and prohibits the use of electronic devices during this time. Additionally, recess cannot be withheld as a disciplinary measure unless a student's participation poses an immediate safety threat. The Department of Public Instruction is tasked with providing guidance and professional development resources to assist schools in implementing these requirements.
The bill also amends existing statutes regarding the scheduling of direct pupil instruction hours. It allows up to 60 minutes of recess to count towards the required instructional hours, increasing the previous limit of 30 minutes. This change aims to ensure that students receive adequate physical activity during the school day while still meeting educational requirements. The bill includes specific provisions to ensure that recess is a protected time for students, emphasizing its importance for their overall well-being and development.