Health Groups Call For Phys. Ed. Requirement

State Representative Matt Lori (R–Constantine) has proposed a bill, House Bill 5196, which would require that all children through 5^th grade have a minimum of 30 minutes at least twice a week as well as another 60 minutes a week of physical activity. Grades 6 through 8 would have to have at least one semester of physical education lasting at least 45 minutes a day. Representative Lori acknowledged the program could be an unfunded mandate, but floated the idea of providing additional funding the in future. He pointed out that improving the health of the state’s children saves General Fund dollars, which the state could reallocate to schools.

Michael Maisner, Vice President of Active Communities for the Michigan Fitness Foundation, a member of the Healthy Kids, Healthy Michigan Coalition, said physical fitness is something that has to be learned, like any of the other skills taught in school. He and others pointed to studies that have shown students who exercise regularly perform better in class. Representative Theresa Abed (D–Grand Ledge) agreed with the need to allow local districts to set physical education standards. The committee did not take action on the bill Wednesday.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, March 21, 2014 11:29 AM
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