States requiring PE, but amount varies - Boston.com

States requiring PE, but amount varies - Boston.com

States requiring PE, but amount varies

By Mary Clare Jalonick

Associated Press Writer / June 2, 2010

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WASHINGTON—More states are requiring physical education for elementary, middle and high school students, though few require kids to exercise for a specific amount of time.

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A report released Tuesday by the American Heart Association and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education said exercise for schoolchildren is also threatened by a rising number of waivers and exemptions from PE in school districts around the country.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the heart association, said the group is pleased that more states are requiring physical education but is also concerned that the requirements don't have more teeth.

"We are concerned that the movement has not been more significant," she said. "It's more of a sporadic approach."

Brown said she hopes an increased national focus on health and nutrition will push schools to require more time in the gym with a qualified instructor. The groups recommend 150 minutes a week of instructed physical education for