Physical education must stay in schools.
It troubles me every time I read another article or see a news report regarding the cancellation of physical education classes in schools. Phys. Ed. remains as important to a child’s complete development today as it did back when PE classes were mandatory throughout the country. Back in the Stone Age, 1977, I graduated from college with a teaching credential in physical education and planned to make it my career.
I loved PE classes when I was in school and always believed the PE instructors were the coolest guys on campus. I just lived for playing outside and enjoyed all physical activities from dodge ball (sadly, no longer allowed in most schools) to simple exercising.
The exclusion of PE classes from schools baffles me, and frankly makes no sense. We are all 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. Far too many school administrators simply do not understand the need for a well-rounded education which includes shop, music, drama and PE classes. A few years ago a friend of mine landed a job at an exclusive, extremely expensive private school in West L.A. 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 about my buddy. It appeared that the persnickety adults did not appreciate the fact that Steve was having the kids run a few laps to warm up before participating in the days activity. The spoiled kids had gone home and complained to their parents, who then called the school. So, in their warped minds, running was a bad thing.
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. In this situation the principal should have taken the opportunity to inform the parents of the long-term value of running and exercise. However, he folded like a lawn chair and took the easy way out. I truly feel sorrow when I see an overweight child under thirteen years old. Aside from the health issues they are sure to face later in life, other kids can be verbally brutal on a chubby youth. It’s no way to spend your formative years. So, faced with all the undeniable 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 kids–cut back on the sweets and get out in the back yard and toss the ball around for awhile. And if your school has discontinued PE, 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 kids.