Bill Text: IL SJR0080 | 2009-2010 | 96th General Assembly | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Creates the Recess in Schools Task Force to examine the barriers facing schools in providing daily recess to every age-appropriate student and make recommendations in a final report to the General Assembly by June 30, 2010.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2010-12-01 - Adopted Both Houses [SJR0080 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2009-SJR0080-Engrossed.html

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 80
(As Amended by Senate Amendment No. 1)
WHEREAS, Studies have shown that children provided with
recess are more focused, on-task, and able to concentrate on
educational material than those who are not afforded a recess
period; cognitive function improves when a child has the
opportunity for physical exercise and active play; and
WHEREAS, Obesity rates among children have skyrocketed in
recent years, with one in three American children now being
considered overweight or obese; recess provides children with
the opportunity for physical exercise during the school day;
and
WHEREAS, Recess is essential for providing students with a
less structured period of time in which to engage in social
interactions and develop interpersonal relationships with
peers; it is often during this time that children improve their
leadership and conflict resolution skills; and
WHEREAS, A large number of students go every school day
with no opportunity for a recess period; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

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CONCURRING HEREIN, that there is created a Recess in Schools
Task Force; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall be charged with
examining the barriers facing schools in providing daily recess
to every age-appropriate student and making recommendations
for overcoming those obstacles; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Task force shall be comprised of the
following 15 members:
(1) two members appointed by the Governor, one of whom
shall be a medical professional with expertise in
children's health issues;
(2) one member appointed by the President of the
Senate;
(3) one member appointed by the Senate Minority Leader;
(4) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives;
(5) one member appointed by the House Minority Leader;
(6) one member appointed by the Chicago Board of
Education;
(7) one member appointed by the Governor upon
recommendation of the education labor organization
representing Chicago public school teachers;
(8) one member appointed by the Governor upon
recommendation of a Statewide education labor

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organization;
(9) one member appointed by the Governor upon
recommendation of another Statewide education labor
organization;
(10) one member appointed by the Governor upon
recommendation of an organization representing principals;
(11) one member appointed by the Governor upon
recommendation of a Chicago-based coalition of low-income
mothers and grandmothers focusing on family issues;
(12) one member appointed by the Governor upon
recommendation of a parent-teacher organization;
(13) one member appointed by the Governor upon
recommendation of an organization advocating for juvenile
justice reform;
(14) one member appointed by the Governor upon
recommendation of an organization that advocates for
healthy school environments; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Task Force must meet within 60 days
after the adoption of this resolution and submit a final report
to the General Assembly by January 1, 2011 with its
recommendations for bringing recess back to the maximum number
of students.