The habits we start young can have a nasty way of sticking around if we’re not careful. That is why this USA Today article on students being able to opt out of gym is so distressing.
According to the article, the number of states that allow students to waive or substitute physical education classes has grown from 27 to 32 since 2006, according to Paula Kun, a spokeswoman for the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).
Evidently students in those states can skip physical education if they enroll in interscholastic sports, marching band, cheerleading or other activities. I buy the sports angle but band??
According to the article, “The increase in waivers stems from a push for students to take more courses and efforts within school districts to save money”, says Stephen Jefferies, a Central Washington University professor of physical education and public health.