1. Why there should be more Physical Education Class in Schools
By Matt Palmero
Audience: School Board

2. National Recommendations for Physical Activity
Students should complete minutes of vigorous to moderate-intensity physical activity a day
Elementary students should spend minutes a day in P.E class
Middle/High school should spend minutes a day in P.E.
Only about half of U.S kids meet the governments national guideline of 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity

3. Physically active at least 60 minutes/daya 17.7% 36.6%
Type of Activity
Females
Males
Physically active at least 60 minutes/daya
17.7%
36.6%
Attended physical education classes dailyb
24.0%
34.9%
aAny kind of physical activity that increased heart rate and made them breathe hard some of the time for at least 60 minutes per day on each of the 7 days before the survey.
bAttended physical education classes 5 days in an average week when they were in school.

4. The Cause of Losing P.E Class
P.E and recess has been reduced or cut in many schools due to increasing education demands and lack of finances
Since 2001, 44% of School administrators report cutting time from P.E and recess for more time in the core subject classes

5. Risks of Losing P.E and Recess
Increased chance of obesity
Higher risk of diabetes
Higher risk of high blood pressure
Increased risk of certain cancers
Increased risk of cardiac problems

7. The Benefits of P.E Class
Greater academic acheivment and cognitive functions
Better classroom behavior
Increased socialization
Improved physical and mental health
Helps build and maintain muscle

8. Lack of Physical Activity Outside of School
Sports programs are being cut to save money
Gym intimidation
Can’t afford a gym membership
Less extra curricular activities

9. Childhood Obesity Facts
Obesity has more than doubled in children the last 30 years
Has quadrupled in adolescents last 30 years
In 2012, more than 1/3 of children were over weight
Childhood obesity has immediate and long term effects
The rate of childhood obesity contiunues to increase

10. Childhood Obesity Effects
Greater risk of bone and joint problems
Greater risk of sleep apnea
Greater risk of social problems
Greater risk of psychological problems
Example: poor self esteem
More likely to be obese as adults

11. Childhood Obesity Prevention
#1 prevention is physical activity
Healthy eating habbits
Safe and supportive environment
Opportunities to learn health eating habbits and physical activity behaviors
(all can be found in a health or P.E class setting)

13. Parental Concern
7 in 10 parents think their schools do not provide children enough daily physical education
25% of parents say schools give too little emphasis of physical education
18% of parents say their schools do not provide quality facilities to promote physical education
Based on a 2012 poll

14. Recess To have recess or not is often a local school district decision
11% of states require a scheduled recess in elementary schools
57% of school districts require recess in elementary schools
Recess has taken the hardest hit in Urban areas

15. Children Less Likely to have Recess
African American % do not have recess
Living below poverty line % do not have recess
Struggling academically % do not have recess
The less money a school has, the less likely to have recess

16. Reasons why Recess has been Cut
Short instructional days
Lack space or facilities
Inadequette adult supervision
89% of dicipline related problems occur at recess and lunch

17. The Push for Change
The goal n many states is to pass legislation so that recess cannot be cut in individual schools
Organizations such as NASPE are pushing fr this change as well
75% of parents think recess should be mandatory
80% of principals voted that recess has a positive impact on academic learning

18. Improving Recess
Painted blacktops in schools instead of play structures can reduce the price $150,000 to $5,000
Blacktop activities encourage engagement
Can cut out behavior problems at recess
Programs such as Playworks provide trained coaches to oversee physical activites at low-income

19. What Teachers have to say
"Recess is motivation for my preschoolers to do written work like tracing letters and writing between the lines, and for sitting still for story or circle time. I say we need more time for exercise and fresh air to bring about more productive students." –Brenda Johnson
"In my district, recess was cut to 30 minutes PER WEEK by fifth grade, and I can speak first-hand to the discipline problems that arise because kiddos have no outlet for their energy." –Jennifer Fortson
"Free play helps to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills. If we direct that time for students, how will they ever learn to do and think for themselves? Kids need to feel like they have some autonomy, or education feels more like a prison than a learning experience." –Rebecca Webster

21. Resources