Decrease in Physical Education in Schools 1

Decrease in Physical Education in Schools

Francisco A. Alonzo
Arizona State University

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Decrease in Physical Education in Schools

Numerous studies have been conducted on the effects children could face with the
decrease of physical education in Americas school systems, focusing on childrens health,
academics, and future success in life. However, there is opposition to refute the benefits
suggested from the impact physical education can have on youth who participate in physical
education classes. This paper will examine the benefits that physical education in schools have
for the youth of America, and the negative impact that the removal of physical education could
have on schools.
Cutting Physical Education
Erica Lue (2013) states, since the 2001 passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, many
schools have struggled to find ways to meet the act's rigorous assessment standards. As a result
to the act, physical education and recess have taken a back seat to academics in order to maintain
standards. With the rise in childhood obesity concern for cutting these activities could potentially
lead to negative impacts on childrens health and overall well-being. In her 2013 article, Erica
Lue explains despite the alarming statistics on childhood obesity and the abundant benefits of
recess, there are currently very few efforts at a national, state or district level promoting the
adoption of policies supporting recess or physical education. Cutting physical education classes
from schools is contributing to a sedentary and unhealthy generation.
Health Benefits
Charlotte Kelso (2016) suggests, meaningful, high-quality health and physical education
is one of the best strategies we have to reverse this trend. The trend Charlotte speaks of, is an
increase in childhood obesity, sedentary and unhealthy children. Childhood obesity has been on

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the rise for the past thirty years in the United States. Kelso quotes the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), over the past three decades the childhood obesity rate has more
than doubled for preschool children (ages 2-5) and adolescents (ages 12-19), and it has more than
tripled for children ages 6-11. What is the solution to combat childhood obesity? Meaningful
health and physical education (HPE) programs could be the life changing answer to the rising
epidemic we have presented to the youth of today. Physical education should in addition to
teaching an active life style that promotes cardiovascular benefits, also is detrimental in
providing a basis for healthy eating educating students on how a healthy diet can improve their
health. Physical education in schools are an excellent outlet for students to break the tension and
anxiety that often arise throughout the school day.
Academic Benefits
The CDC states, physical activity can have an impact on cognitive skills and attitudes and
academic behavior, all of which are important components of improved academic performance.
These include enhanced concentration and attention as well as improved classroom behavior.
Recent cuts in physical education and recess have resulted in students spending more time sitting
at a desk hours upon hours a day which as adults is difficult to do, and considerably less energy
to burn. How does physical activity increase academic achievement? Activity increases oxygen
intake which is beneficial from brain activity.
Future Success
Physical educations may have a greater impact on students future life success. The health
benefits of physical activity has already been discussed. It also helps to develop motor skills,
self-discipline, self-confidence, self-esteem and provides students with the opportunity to set

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goals. Physical activity gives children to take control of an aspect of their lives which helps
them grow into healthy well rounded adults.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that arguing in favor of physical education or recess it is difficult
to win especially with the No Child Left Behind Act putting strong emphasis on academics
above all. With that being said the facts cannot be ignored todays youth are in need of help. Who
does the task of getting children up and active fall upon? It is our responsibility as adults,
educators, and parents to take action now to provide todays adolescents with the tools they need
to lead strong productive and successful lives.

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References
Lue, E. (2013). Cutting Physical Education and Recess: Troubling Trends and How You Can
National PTA 1.
URL http://www.learningfirst.org/cutting-physical-education-and-recess-troublingtrends-and-how-you-can-help#sthash.PlIsW5lN.dpuf.
Kelso, C. (2016). The Importance of Physical Education.
URL http://www.veanea.org/home/1000.htm
(2016) How Does Physical Activity Affect Academic Performance?
URL http://www.sparkpe.org/blog/how-physical-activity-affects-academic-performance/

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