by Rochelle Davis, HSC Executive Director
Last week we heard about two celebrities adding their voices to the fight to create school settings that promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.
First, exercise Guru Richard Simmons lent his support to the efforts of U.S. Representatives Zach Wamp and Ron Kind, who introduced legislation that would make physical education a part of the core curriculum of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Now we hear that Shaquille O'Neal will participate in a TV reality show to air this summer on ABC that will track the efforts of Florida school children to lose weight. The show is expected to include O'Neal lobbying politicians on possible causes, including school nutrition. It's great to see that Shaq recognizes the importance of the school environment -- and the need for clear public policy.
It's so appropriate that physical education be required in the NCLB Act. One of (several) unintended consequences since NCLB was enacted has been the neglect of certain components which make students better learners. By focusing so heavily on the results (test scores), some schools have bypassed the learning process and taken some of the fun out of it. By making the proper modifications to NCLB, congress can provide a balanced plan to help schools improve education. Indeed, higher test scores can reflect improvements in education but we want better all-around learners not just better test takers. Acquiring the habit of regular physical activity at a young age, children are more likely to remain active and healthy as adults. Instead of viewing PE as an activity which takes away from learning, schools would do well to consider PE a necessary (and fun) component of learning.
Posted by: Rob Rogers | March 19, 2007 at 08:49 AM