Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on September 28, 2011

Click here to view bill details.

This sounds like a great idea. Research suggests a link between physical activity and learning. 

How will school districts fund this mandate? Is this an unfunded mandate?

 Of course it is an unfunded mandate. Those are the only kind of mandates the legislature knows how to pass. Yes, research suggests a link between physical activity and learning but how much academic instruction time will be lost to increased physical education time? Research also suggests that increased time spent reading improves reading skills and, if I have to make a choice between reading instruction and physical education, reading is going to win hands down.

The youth these days tends to be very sedentary spending time in front of the TV or computer instead of exercising or getting involved in sports and athletic activities. That is why physical education hours are more needed than ever in schools. Also, health classes can teach them about different diseases like the Three Lac candida and how to protect themselves against them. Raising awareness and prevention are a lot cheaper than the actual treatment.

 Actually, it IS funded and required for public schools in Michigan, to the extent that the current Governor and Legislators now fund the public schools, which isn't very well, thank you.  But it's NOT a requirement for Private Schools, Charter Schools, or Internet @ Home Schools.    They don't have to provide, won't provide, or can't provide physical education, health, art, music, or band.  They don't offer theater, dance, debate team, chorus, book club, glee club, or any other kind of club.  No football, baseball, hockey, tennis, swimming, basketball, wrestling, track, cross country, robotics, or cheerleading.  And no transportation to and from school or transportation to and from any extra curricular events, field trips, etc. if there were any.  

And people really believe that teacher's salaries are the reason charter schools can provide a poor education for their children for less money.