Few New York City parents know that state regulations require the public schools to provide at least 120 minutes of physical education per week. Yet most children receive only a small fraction of that time, if they're lucky.
We have heard from parents that schools lack gym space. This seems especially true when their schools share a large building with several other schools. Or they're told that gym teachers are not a high priority when principals are faced with budget constraints and test pressure.
SchoolBook has covered the issue here and here.
Still, the current lack of physical education is a real problem that demands action now. The 2011 audit by the city comptroller's office outlined the shortfalls and non-compliance of the status quo.
While the Department of Education has acknowledged the gaps between state-mandated requirements and the reality in most city public schools, we need education officials to accelerate their efforts and make physical education one of the department's top priorities.
Physical education provides children far more than exercise. An increasing number of scientific studies, including from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, show links between physical education and a child's overall well-being. Increased academic performance and test scores, enhanced concentration and positive classroom behavior are just a few of the benefits. The White House Task Force on Obesity indicates that P.E. can also increase a child's participation in after-school sports and leadership skills development.
New York City’s political leadership must work with the public school community, take action, and recognize that P.E. is also critical in ensuring academic performance. Our children deserve a healthy future.
The Women’s City Club recently launched an advocacy campaign calling on D.O.E. to comply with state guidelines for P.E. in public schools. We've partnered with City Council members Melissa Mark-Viverito, Robert Jackson, Letitia James and Gale Brewer, as well as the American Heart Association to accelerate change.
Earlier this year, the WCC issued its third policy analysis which found disturbing inequities in the distribution of P.E. staff and space throughout the city schools.
On Monday we are holding a forum called “Healthy Minds in Healthy Bodies: The Case for Implementing a Full Physical Education Curriculum in City Public Schools,” hosted by ConEdison and moderated by WNYC's Beth Fertig. Time is of the essence; we must keep the momentum going.