MO Adopts a Stronger PE Bill!

Caption: Students stretch during a PE class designed to teach life-long healthy habits, knowledge, and skills

From the American Heart Association:

Physical Education Bill Passes Legislature!

In the late hours of the 2009 Legislative Session, we received word that Senate Bill 291, a bill that modifies provisions relating to education, passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate! This bill ensures that students in elementary schools participate in moderate physical activity for the entire school year, including students in alternative education programs.

Take Action: Please Thank The Missouri State Senate for There Support of This Bill!
As you know, House Bill 509 (Physical Education Bill) was voted down in the Senate Ways & Means Committee. However, our State Advocacy team, and legislators who have championed this issue from the start of session, were able to get some of our physical education language into Senate Bill 291.

Although Senate Bill 291 doesn't include all our original asks, it is a great first step for improving physical education in Missouri. Here is a brief summary of SB 291:

Beginning with the school year 2010-2011:
School districts shall ensure that students in elementary schools participate in moderate physical activity for the entire school year, including students in alternative education programs.

Students in the elementary schools shall participate in moderate physical activity for an average of one hundred fifty minutes per five-day school week, or an average of thirty minutes per day. Students in middle schools may at the school's discretion participate in at least two hundred twenty-five minutes of physical activity per school week.

Each year the commissioner of education shall select for recognition students, schools and school districts that are considered to have achieved improvement in fitness.

To view the full text of Senate Bill 291, please visit: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills091/billpdf/commit/SB0291c.pdf