Bill Text: HI SR60 | 2015 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Physical Education; Curriculum; Elementary, Intermediate, and Middle Schools

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-0)

Status: (Passed) 2015-06-16 - Certified copies of resolutions sent, 06-16-15. [SR60 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2015-SR60-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	60
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO establish WEEKLY minimum standards for time dedicated to PHYSICAL EDUCATION in elementary, intermediate, and middle schools.

 

 

     WHEREAS, obesity leads to at least 300,000 deaths among adults in the United States each year due, in part, to physical inactivity and a poor diet; and

 

     WHEREAS, more than one-third of adults in the United States are obese and accordingly at risk for obesity-related conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer; and

 

     WHEREAS, the medical needs of an obese individual in 2008 were estimated to cost $1,429 more than the needs of an individual of normal weight; and

 

     WHEREAS, inadequate participation in physical activity is a significant contributor to the "epidemic of obesity" that has plagued the nation's young people for the past two decades; and

 

     WHEREAS, nearly one-third of children and young people in the United States are overweight or obese; and

 

     WHEREAS, obese children and young people struggle with obesity-related medical and physical challenges, and are more likely to face increased risks in adulthood of developing long-term chronic or terminal conditions; and

 

     WHEREAS, physical activity offers young people many health benefits, including improving aerobic endurance and muscular strength; helping to control weight; building lean muscle; and reducing fat; helping to build greater bone mass, which prevents against osteoporosis in adulthood; and preventing or reducing high blood pressure; and

 

     WHEREAS, the results of recent studies indicate a strong correlation between aerobic fitness and academic performance as measured by the achievement of higher scores and grades in core subjects and standardized test scores as well as a proportional increase in academic performance as physical education is increased; and

 

     WHEREAS, many health advocates believe that adults acquire and establish patterns of health-related behaviors during childhood and adolescence; and

 

     WHEREAS, a national study conducted in 2003 found that 95 percent of parents surveyed supported the implementation of daily physical education because they believe regular physical exercise helps students to perform better academically; and

 

     WHEREAS, children who are encouraged to engage in regular physical activity in their youth are more likely to continue a pattern of physical activity in adulthood that can contribute to better overall physical health during their lifetime; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-eighth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2015, that the Department of Education is requested to establish weekly minimum standards of time dedicated to physical education in all elementary, intermediate, and middle schools with an emphasis on physical activities that are conducive to the health and vigor of the body and mind; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to establish a minimum requirement of one hundred fifty minutes per week of physical education for elementary school students; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to establish a minimum requirement of two hundred twenty-five minutes per week of physical education for intermediate and middle school students; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that every student in kindergarten through eighth grade participate in physical education for the entire school year, including students with disabling conditions and those in alternative education programs; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that elementary, intermediate, and middle schools establish specific learning goals and objectives for physical education; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education develop and implement a physical education curriculum applicable for students in kindergarten through eighth grade that adheres to state and national standards of health-related fitness and physical education; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that elementary, intermediate, and middle schools design, implement, and evaluate a sequential, developmentally appropriate physical education curriculum that helps students develop the knowledge, motor skills, self-management skills, attitudes, and confidence needed to adopt and maintain physical activity throughout their lives; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all students be active in moderate-intensity physical activities for no less than one-half of the class time provided for physical education; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all students be regularly assessed for attainment of physical education learning objectives; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that health-related fitness testing appropriate to students' developmental levels and physical abilities be integrated into the physical education curriculum  as an instructional tool, except in early elementary grades; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the satisfactory participation in physical education of each student be confirmed by issuance of a passing grade upon completion of the physical education curriculum; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that achievement of a passing grade in the physical education curriculum be considered a requirement for each student's graduation, except in early elementary grades; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that exemption for physical education only be permitted if a physician states in writing that physical activity will jeopardize the student's health and well-being or a parent or guardian requests an exemption on religious grounds; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that physical education be taught by qualified persons who are certified by the State to teach physical education; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that elementary, intermediate, and middle school administrators endeavor to ensure the cost-efficient provision of adequate spaces, facilities, equipment, supplies, and operational budgets that are necessary to achieve the objectives of the physical education program; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the physical education program be closely coordinated with other components of overall school health and science programs; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chair of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, and Director of Health.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Physical Education; Curriculum; Elementary, Intermediate, and Middle Schools