RESTON, September 13, 2000 ñ Parentsí overwhelming support of not wanting to reduce their childrenís physical education classes for academic classes, is one more testament to the role physical education plays in helping children become healthy, physically active adults, says the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).  Reacting to the results of a survey released today by the American Obesity Association that parents strongly oppose cutting back on physical education class, NASPE encouraged parents to demand quality physical education programs for their children.

   ìThere is no place in this country for even one poor physical education program,î said NASPE Executive Director Judith C. Young, Ph.D. ìWe believe every student in our nationís schools, from kindergarten through grade 12, should have the opportunity to participate in a quality physical education program. Children need to be taught the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for them to lead healthy, active and productive lives. To do that, all programs must facilitate achievement of the National Standards for Physical Education.î

   Dr. Marybell Avery, NASPE President and Curriculum Specialist for Health and Physical Education for Lincoln, NE Public Schools, said ìevidence mounts daily for the importance of quality physical education programs from the U.S. Surgeon General and other medical and health experts. Unfortunately, many school districts are not providing those opportunities. According to NASPEís Shape of the Nation survey, in 37 states the majority of elementary school students are being taught physical education by classroom teachers and the majority of high school students take physical education for only one year between 9th and 12th grades. It is critically important for schools to provide an adequate learning environment and adequate resources so that students can meet the content and performance standards for physical education.

 ìNASPE recommends 150 minutes a week for elementary and 225 minutes a week for secondary students,.î added Dr. Avery.  ìIn addition to being taught by physical education specialists, physical education classes need to have adequate equipment and facilities so that every child can participate. Classes should also contain similar number of students as other classrooms ñ about 25 students per class.î

     This past spring NASPE released the results of its own parents survey that complements the one conducted by the American Obesity Association. Eighty-one percent of parents with children in elementary, middle and high schools want their kids to receive daily physical education, but only 44% of them are receiving it.

    To receive a FREE Quality Physical Education Program Brochure, call 1-800-213-7193, then press      1 5 1.

  Information about the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) can be found on the Internet at http://www.aahperd.org, the web site of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). NASPE is the largest of AAHPERDís six national associations. A nonprofit membership organization of over 25,000 professionals in the fitness and physical activity fields, NASPE is the only national association dedicated to strengthening basic knowledge about sport and physical education among professionals and the general public. Putting that knowledge into action in schools and communities across the nation is critical to improved academic performance, social reform and the health of individuals.
 

For more information, contact:
Paula Keyes Kun (703) 476-3461; pkun@aahperd.org
National Association for Sport and Physical Education
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191