NCLB

Physical education and health education professionals from across the country meet to address no child left behind

RESTON, VA, February 20, 2004 - - Critically concerned about the potential unintended consequences of education reform as reflected in the No Child Left Behind legislation, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), through the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the American Association for Health Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHE), will host representatives from 47 states this weekend at a meeting to strategize for advocacy for state and local support of physical education and health education as part of the core curriculum.

“The No Child Left Behind Elementary and Secondary Education Act (NCLB) of 2002 calls for high levels of academic accountability in curricula that are identified as ‘core' subject areas. However, the omission of some subjects, such as physical education and health education, has the potential to create unintended negative consequences - diminishing time and resources for subjects not identified as core, ” said NASPE President George Graham, Ph.D. of Pennsylvania State University . “We believe the focused accountability for achievement in math and reading through high stakes tests limits the potential to provide all children with a balanced and comprehensive education for life in the 21 st century. “

Quality physical education and health education programs in all K-12 schools provide the foundation for healthy, active lifestyles that support all learning and help ensure success in future pursuits. While families and communities play an important role in the prevention of obesity and other health risks, schools must help children develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Many children will be left behind if they do not:

• learn how to achieve and maintain health-related fitness and other healthy lifestyle behaviors
• have opportunities to explore their unique potential
• gain an understanding and appreciation of their responsibilities as citizens, and
• develop character traits to help them make good decisions about positive behaviors that support their well-being.

In addition, while NASPE and AAHE support President Bush's call for “highly qualified teachers,” the education associations encourage support of highly qualified teachers in physical education and health education in addition to subject areas currently identified in No Child Left Behind.

“To properly position physical education and health education within the context of educational reform it is important to better understand different perspectives,” said AAHPERD President Steve Cone of Rowan University . “That is why we have brought together representatives from the U.S. Department of Education, Chief State School Officers, state Departments of Education, state AHPERDs, and various national health and educational organizations. We want our members to know the ramifications of No Child Left Behind for the teachers, principals, administrators, school board members, parents and community.”

Among those presenting at the forum will be Karen Cottrell, Lakota Public Schools, OH; George Graham, Penn State; Darla Marburger, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education; Nora Howley, Council of Chief State School Officers; Karen Silberman, National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity; Linda Morse, Society of State Directors of Health, Physical Education and Recreation; Suzanne Smith, American Heart Association; Jim Bogden, National Association of State Boards of Education; Bill Potts-Datema, Harvard School of Public Health; and AAHPERD Executive committee members Steve Cone, Shirley Holt-Hale and Joanne Owens-Nauslar.