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Physical activity is linked with academic achievement and improved mental and physical health.
Sadly, many Latino majority schools do not provide recommended time for recess or quality PE, thus kids fall behind and are at higher risk for chronic disease.
On April 20th, 2017, the Governor of Washington (12.4% Latino) signed a new bill (HB 1235) which assesses PE practices in public schools.
Effective July, 23, 2017, the bill requires all schools to conduct an annual review of their PE programs, to include:
- number of students completing PE per year
- number of minutes per week of PE
- number of students granted waivers from PE requirements
- instructors with valid health and fitness endorsements
The results of the review will be shared with the school district’s wellness committee and the office of the superintendent of public instruction, who must summarize the data and post to each district website.
This is a double win because kids who receive physical education (PE) in school are more active outside of school.
According to the Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition (COPC), many members, include the American Heart Association, SHAPE Washington, and the WA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics worked with key stakeholders to make the bill work for everyone.
Statewide legislation like this can help disadvantaged schools raise the bar on quality PE for Latino and all students.
Spread about this win and find out what your state requires.
Read about how swimming in school may be the most promising physical activity to get and keep Latino and all kids active IN and OUT of school.
By The Numbers
84
percent
of Latino parents support public funding for afterschool programs
