Classroom Success and Physical Education Success
are Equally Important

Did you know that very few states require daily physical education in grades K-12? There is no federal law that requires physical education to be offered in schools or provides any incentive for physical education programs. Even with numerous studies pointing to the fact that physical activity, when combined with healthy meals, leads to improved test scores, increased positive attitude and elevated self esteem in children, most states are dodging the issue. Many are setting some general or minimum requirements, but delegating responsibility for meeting those standards to individual school districts. According to the National Conference of State Legislature, only three states have established minimum time or frequency standards for physical education: Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York. Despite all the studies about the benefits of introducing physical activity at an early age, school systems are faced with tough curriculum choices. In fact, nearly 40% of all schools have discontinued physical education or recess due to budget cuts and an increased focus on academic standards. Sixty-two percent of children do not participate in organized physical activity, and 23% do not participate in free-time physical activity.

Here is some information and tips to help you learn more about physical education programs and how to advocate for P.E. in your child's school system:

• Physical education programs are funded and legislated at the state level, so it is important to monitor national and state legislation on this issue. The American Heart Association is advocating for standard P.E. requirements in all grade levels. Visit www.americanheart.org to get more information on how to advocate for required P.E.
• Other resources to help support physical education programs are Project Fit America, PE4Life and PELinks4U.
• To encourage and support the important message of physical education in schools, work with your school to create a Family Fitness Night. This could be held once each semester. It conveys an important message about health and fitness to the community. You can bring in local experts, such as nutritionists, to talk about the proper foods needed to fuel your body for physical activity.
• Work with school organizations to maintain P.E. programs. Connect with other parents and school administrators to advocate for physical activity programs and educate them on how physical activity will not take away from academics.
• Make sure your child is getting 40 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. Simple activities such as jump rope, brisk walking and soccer are fun examples of moderate to vigorous physical activity.