A Wisconsin Congressman says a new report shows the need for a greater focus on physical education in schools.
The study from Active Living Research shows a link between increased physical activity and improved classroom performance. Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) says it makes the case for requiring schools to include PE.
Kind wants to include his Fit Kids initiative in with the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind. The plan requires 150 minutes of PE each week in elementary schools and 225 minutes per week in middle and high schools. Kind believes schools have taken the focus of physical education, in order to meet the rigorous testing standards put forth under NCLB.
The La Crosse Democrat says many Wisconsin school districts already do a good job at keeping kids active, but he thinks a national standard is needed. Over the last decade, Kind says the number of schools offering PE has dropped from 40 percent to about 22 percent. He says obesity rates have climbed in that time as well, with an estimated 25 million American children considered obese now.
