First I’ve heard of this. I am aware that recess does get cut, but I always thought it was due to FCAT. PE is non-existant: the kids are lucky to get PE every 7 – 10 days.
The kids *need* recess. It’s like an adult not getting a break all day. Our school system is messed up.
Recess Is At Risk, New Campaign Comes To The Rescue
Survey Shows PTA Members Don’t Want Recess Eliminated
PTA, Leading Education Organizations and Cartoon Network Launch Rescuing Recess Campaign
WASHINGTON – MARCH 13, 2006 – Think recess is just child’s play? Experts agree that playtime can be just as vital as classroom time to a child’s social, emotional and educational development. Today in Washington, D.C., the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and Cartoon Network announced the launch Rescuing Recess, a campaign that champions the importance of recess for kids and works to help keep and revitalize it in schools across the country. The campaign was developed with direction from an advisory board of leaders and policymakers in children’s health and education, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Education Association (NEA), the National Association for Sport & Physical Education (NASPE), The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, New Leaders for New Schools and Health MPowers
Despite mounting evidence that kids need an outlet to blow off steam, learn to interact with others and get the exercise they need, nearly 40 percent of American elementary schools have either eliminated or are considering eliminating recess.