Senate takes up exercise mandate

[longnecker]

A debate over mandatory exercise in Delaware elementary schools reaches the floor of the Delaware Senate today with legislation that would require K-5 students to participate in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week.

Bethany Beach Democrat George Bunting, the sponsor, said the bill would help combat a growing problem of childhood obesity.
Bunting’s bill faces high-powered opposition among members of Delaware’s education community. State Education Department officials testified against the measure at a hearing last month, saying that many schools already are incorporating exercise without a mandate.
Delaware’s powerful teachers union also opposes the bill.
“We support the need for physical education,” said Frederika Jenner, president of the Delaware State Education Association. “We don’t think this is the way that should happen. Once legislators start legislating and mandating hours of particular programs or curriculum, they mount up and they’re not considered in context of the wholeschool day.”
Fighting childhood obesity has become a high-profile national priority, with first lady Michelle Obama spotlighting the issue – and, in many cases, schools have served as ground zero for policymakers attempting to combat the epidemic. A dozen states have legislated 150 minutes of physical activity for elementary-school students, said the Nemours Foundation, which has lobbied in favor of the bill.
Delaware public schools must instruct students from kindergarten to high school in physical education and periodically assess their physical fitness, but state physical education regulations do not call for any specific amount of physical activity.
“We’re educating children to die young,” said Bunting, citing statistics that show more than 30 percent of Delaware children are overweight or obsese. “I don’t want to get into a push and pull with Department of Education over the matter. But I feel strongly about it. I think it’ll save lives.”
If passed, Bunting’s bill, a bipartisan effort sponsored in the House by Republican Rep. Mike Ramone, would take effect in the 2014-15 school year.
http://www.delawareonline.com/articl...nclick_check=1

[max1]

Children need time to run and get rid of some energy so it's easier for them to focus. I once had a teacher tell me they were going to take my son out of P.E. for extra academics because he couldn't sit still during regular class. P.E. is a important part of the day, make it fun and the kids will be easier to teach and obesity will not be such an issue.....


on the upside "Fat kids are harder to kidnap"

[childOfLacroix]

Why don't they just give them a longer recess period?