Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Education

What is quality physical education? Is it different then the “gym” I had in school?
Today’s physical education is vastly different then the experiences many of us had in school. Quality physical education programs are individualized, meaningful, developmentally appropriate, academically enhancing, and establish life-long goals. Quality physical education provides the opportunity for all students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead healthy and physically active lifestyles. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education Guidelines for a Quality Physical Education program include three components: opportunity to learn, meaningful content and appropriate instruction. Every student in Massachusetts deserves the opportunity to
benefit from quality physical education.

Isn’t physical education already required?
Massachusetts law requires Physical Education to be taught in the public schools. However in 1996, the Board of Education repealed regulations that had mandated minimum annual hours of instruction. Since 1996, local school officials have determined the amount of time for instruction in physical education. In reality, physical education is one of the first programs to suffer when budgets are reduced. However, our children need quality physical education.

Is physical education really needed?
Massachusetts and this country are battling an obesity epidemic. An estimated 300,000 people die each year in the U.S. due to overweight and obesity. Since the 70s, the number of overweight children from ages 6-19 has increased close to 300%. Overweight and obese children experience the same risk factors associated with heart disease in adults such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult onset diabetes. And studies have shown that up to 80% of overweight adolescents become overweight adults. Beyond the human trauma this is also an economic issue. The economic impact of obesity on our health care system is estimated at $129 billion. Of course the problem of obesity occurs from a complex collection of causes and will require a complex set of solutions. However, the role of physical education in the schools must be a part of any solution.

Shouldn’t we be concentrating on improving MCAS scores?
Our educational system needs to address the needs of the whole child. The benefits of quality physical education beyond physical fitness include improved judgment, stress reduction, improved self-confidence and self-esteem, and the support of other subject areas. Quality physical education has been shown to improve the overall welfare of students including physical, emotional, and cognitive performance. There is a correlation between increased fitness levels and higher academic scores in standardized testing.

Won’t mandating cost too much?
Not mandating quality physical education costs too much. The economic impact of obesity on our health care system is estimated at $129 billion. Obesity occurs from a complex collection of causes and will require a complex set of solutions. However, the role of physical education in the schools must be a part of any solution. We are prepared to work with the state and local school departments to find the funding needed to support quality physical education programs.

What organizations support this bill?
This bill is support by a large number of organizations including the Harvard Prevention Research Center, the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, the Massachusetts Public Health Association, the South Shore YMCA, the Eastern MA Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts, Salem State College, Westfield State College, Bridgewater State College, the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and the American Heart Association.

Who can I contact for more information?

Maria Melchionda, Executive Director, (MAHPERD) Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (508)794-1338 or maria@ma-hperd.org

Dr. Diane Smith, MAHPERD Advocacy Chair (413)575-9494 or Diane28028@aol.com