THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

12

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE RESOLUTION

 

requesting the department of education to develop and require as part of the curriculum an elementary school-level physical education program.

 

WHEREAS, research suggests that children today are less physically active and more overweight or obese than those of previous generations, with a significant number of children growing up to become overweight adults; and

WHEREAS, low levels of physical activity are characteristic of overweight children; and

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a sedentary lifestyle almost doubles one's risk for coronary heart disease and increases risks for diabetes, certain cancers, high blood pressure, depression, and osteoporosis; and

WHEREAS, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that early intervention with improved diet and increased physical activity may be the most effective means of addressing the problem of overweight children; and

WHEREAS, young children must learn to be physically active in their daily lives, establishing a foundation in their early years that can influence a lifetime of healthy behavior; and

WHEREAS, a quality physical education program plays a critical role in the education of a whole student, contributing directly to the development of physical competence and fitness, thereby building self-esteem; and

WHEREAS, a healthy, physically active child is also more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful; and

WHEREAS, physical education can serve as a vehicle for helping students to develop the knowledge, attitudes, motor skills, behavioral skills, and confidence necessary for adopting and maintaining physically active lifestyles; and

WHEREAS, the motor skill foundations established during the elementary grades may enhance children's social, cognitive and physical development and increase the likelihood of continued interest and participation in physical activity; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2004, that the Department of Education is requested to develop and require as part of the standards-based curriculum an elementary school-level physical education program for public schools to promote health-related fitness, physical competence, and cognitive understanding about physical activity for all students so that they can adopt healthy and physically active lifestyles; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program should include, but not be limited to, instruction by physical education specialists with baccalaureate degrees; require physical education in daily classes of at least thirty minutes; utilize fitness education and assessment to help children understand, enjoy, and improve or maintain physical health and well-being; provide opportunities to develop social and cooperative skills; design classes to include the involvement of all children in activities; and include instruction in healthy eating habits and good nutrition; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program should encourage self-monitoring of physical activity; provide for individualized activities; provide exposure to a variety of physical activities; concentrate on teaching physical skills; teach positive approaches to lifetime activity; and promote activity outside the school environment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations on an elementary school-level physical education program to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2005; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education and the Chairperson of the Board of Education.

 

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A REQUIRED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-LEVEL PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM