Report Title:

Physical Education; Public Schools; UH College of Education

Description:

Directs the UH college of education, department of kinesiology and leisure science, to review the physical education programs in Hawaii's public schools to determine what needs to be improved in order to ensure that all children in grades kindergarten through twelve have meaningful physical education programs.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1888

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to Physical education.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, schools and communities should promote physical activity among children and adolescents because many young people already have risk factors for chronic diseases associated with adult morbidity (i.e., sickness) and mortality (i.e., death). For example, the prevalence of overweight is at an all-time high among children and adolescents. In addition, physical activity has a beneficial effect on the physical and mental health of young people.

People begin to acquire and establish patterns of health-related behaviors during childhood and adolescence; thus, young people should be encouraged to engage in physical activity. Many children, however, are less physically active than recommended. Physical activity declines during adolescence, and enrollment in daily physical education has decreased.

A recent study released by the California Department of Education showed a distinct relationship between academic achievement and physical fitness of California's public school students. According to the study:

(1) Higher achievement was associated with higher levels of fitness at each of the three grade levels (i.e., fifth, seventh, and ninth) measured;

(2) The relationship between academic achievement and fitness was greater in mathematics than in reading, particularly at higher fitness levels;

(3) Students who met minimum fitness levels in three or more physical fitness areas showed the greatest gains in academic achievement at all three grade levels; and

(4) Females demonstrated higher achievement than males, particularly at higher fitness levels.

According to California Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, "This statewide study provides compelling evidence that the physical well-being of students has a direct impact on their ability to achieve academically. We now have the proof we've been looking for: students achieve best when they are physically fit. Thousands of years ago, the Greeks understood the importance of improving spirit, mind, and body. The research presented here validates their philosophic approach with scientific validation."

The purpose of this Act is to direct the University of Hawaii college of education, department of kinesiology and leisure science, to review the physical education programs in Hawaii's public schools in order to ensure that all children have meaningful physical education programs.

SECTION 2. The University of Hawaii college of education, department of kinesiology and leisure science, shall review the physical education programs in Hawaii's public schools to determine what, if anything, needs to be improved in order to ensure that all children in grades kindergarten through twelve have meaningful physical education programs.

SECTION 3. The department of education shall assist the University of Hawaii college of education, department of kinesiology and leisure science, in acquiring data on schools' physical education programs in order to ensure the comprehensiveness of the University's review.

SECTION 4. The University of Hawaii college of education, department of kinesiology and leisure science, shall submit its findings and recommendations to the legislature not less than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2005.

SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $        , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005, to carry out the purposes of this Act. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.

INTRODUCED BY:

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