Physical education remains as important to a child’s complete development today as it did years ago when these classes were mandatory throughout the country.
Back in 1977, I graduated from college with a teaching credential in physical education and planned to make it my profession.
I loved PE classes when I was in school and always believed the instructors were the coolest guys on campus. I just lived for playing outside and enjoyed all physical activities from dodge ball to simply exercising. The elimination of PE classes from some schools baffles me, and frankly makes no sense. Most of us are acutely aware of the benefits of physical activity and the fact that childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions.
The need for physical education classes has never been greater.
A few years ago a friend of mine landed a job at an exclusive, extremely expensive private school in West Los Angeles as a PE teacher and basketball coach. After his third day on the job, he called to tell me what had happened at school that day.
On his lunch break he was summoned to the principal’s office. Apparently there had been four or five parent complaints.
It appeared that the parents did not appreciate the fact that my friend Steve was having the children run a few laps to warm up before participating in the class activity.
The kids complained to their parents, who then called the school.
My buddy quickly picked up on the implicit message being sent from his boss and has never had a kid run again unless involved in an activity.
I believe, in this situation, the principal should have taken the opportunity to inform the parents of the long-term value of running and exercise. However, I think he took the easy way out.
So, faced with evidence of the positive impact of PE, what have school boards throughout the country decided? To end physical education classes.
In my opinion, it’s a sad commentary on our society, with the negative impact not being realized for many years
I believe, under pressure, many school administrators opt for the easy way out in these dilemmas. This clearly demonstrates the “squeaky wheel” theory. Nobody in their right mind would argue that physical activity is a bad influence on our youth.
I wish some of our concerned politicians would make this a national issue; however, most of them are too busy attempting to get a bridge or library named after them.
If I might offer some unsolicited advice to those parents with heavy children–cut back on the sweets and get out in the backyard and toss the ball around for awhile.
And if your school has discontinued physical education, get together with like-minded parents and go to the next school board meeting armed with facts and figures extolling the virtues of physical activity for children.
