Physical Education Trend Must Be Reversed

Ken Reed:

Following this Labor Day weekend, virtually all of the nation's students in grades K-12 will be back in school. Unfortunately, fewer of them will be participating in physical education classes and intramural sports programs.

It's mind-boggling that at a time when overweight and obesity levels are sky-high among our young people, and physical activity levels are down, our schools are cutting physical education classes, recess and intramural sports programs.

Due to No Child Left Behind mandates and the pressures of standardized state assessment tests, many schools are cutting back on physical education and recess under the mistaken belief that kids need more desk time to improve test scores. Based on the latest research on exercise and the brain, that's the direct opposite approach that schools should be taking.

"Overall, I don't think there's any doubt that schools are feeling pressure from No Child Left Behind and standardized tests," according to Brenda VanLengen, Vice Chair of PE4life, a physical education advocacy organization.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at September 10, 2013 12:21 AM
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