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- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Provides for required instruction in physical education in elementary schools
In Assembly Committee · Education · Sponsor Felix Ortiz
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to the required instruction in physical education in elementary schools
Purpose of bill
This bill would enhance physical education requirements in all elementary and secondary schools.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 803 of the Education Law would be amended to require daily physical education for students enrolled in elementary and secondary school grades, including students with disabling conditions and those in alternative education programs. The bill further requires that students in elementary grades shall participate in physical education a minimum of 150 minutes during each school week.
Justification
Child obesity rates are rising dramatically to epidemic proportion, especially in New York State. The problems caused by obesity, including higher levels of diabetes and asthma, affect children's physical health as well as their mental health and self-esteem. Physical activity and exercise are crucial to the prevention of obesity and also help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer later in life. Academic performance is also linked to children's health and well-being. Research by the California Dept. of Education demonstrates that students meeting fitness standards scored higher on the Stanford Achievement Test. Unfortunately, despite the evidence of the benefits of physical activity and physical education the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has described our nations' young people as "...in large measure, inactive, unfit, and increasingly overweight."
Groups such as the American Heart Association and other health-related organizations and the NYS Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance are working to increase Physical fitness among children. They recommend higher standards and improved physical education in our schools so students can become more fit now as well as learn life-long skills to maintain their weight and health as adults.
These organizations have established standards for the quality and quantity of physical education necessary to meet these goals. Because New York children have higher rates of obesity and New York adults have higher rates of heart disease, it is imperative that our schools adopt the highest standards of physical education to improve the health of our population. Improved fitness will also improve academic performance and ultimately reduce disease, lower health care costs, and increase productivity in our work force.
Legislative history
2004: Senate Education Cmte/Assembly Education Cmte 2005-06: Senate Education Cmte/Assembly Education Cmte 2007-08: Senate Education Cmte/Assembly Education Cmte
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
Potential increased costs to school districts to hire additional physical education staff.
Effective date
180 days after it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.