Physical Education

Publication Date:

Publisher: National Conference of State Legislatures

Author(s): National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

Based on a 2000 report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one in three children do not engage in the recommended level of daily vigorous physical activity. Factors contributing to this could include the amount of alternate sedentary entertainment activities and school budget cuts that affect physical education programs. Regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy body, enhancing psychological well-being, and preventing premature death. According to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, during the past 20 years, the percentage of overweight children has more than doubled with the overweight percentage of children aged 6 to 11 rising from 6.5 percent in 1980 to 15.3 percent in 2000. Overweight and obesity contribute to a variety of cardiovascular disease risk factors including hypertension, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. This issue brief examines state statutes and policies concerning school-sponsored physical activity and physical education programs in levels kindergarten through grade 12. It includes a 50 state table that details current state statutes and variations in state mandates of physical education. Although this issue brief highlights federal and corporate sponsored programs that encourage youth to be physically active, there is no federal standard or education mandate for physical education. State and local boards of education are responsible for deciding the extent and intensity of curriculum-required physical education. As presented in this issue brief, there is a substantial amount of variation in physical education mandates from state to state.