Students throughout the U.S. need the benefits of strong physical education requirements, but many of the states have failed to adequately implement the 2016 Shape of the Nation initiative.
This initiative -- launched by the American Heart Association, the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America, Voices for Health Kids and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation -- is meant to be applied across the country. Unfortunately, many areas have not done their part of the program to help kids stay active, fit and healthy for their futures.
“The benefits of physical education ring clear as a school bell,” American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown said. “With effective physical education, we can keep kids’ hearts healthy and their minds in gear to do their best at school every day.”
The initiative was first prepared approximately 30 years ago; this is the latest step to improve the physical education in the U.S. While at the SHAPE America National Convention and Expo, leaders discussed the best ways to better implement this program.
“Students will benefit now that physical education is a subject included within the definition of a well-rounded education,” SHAPE America CEO E. Paul Roetert said. “Physical education teachers are uniquely qualified to ensure that all of America’s students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to enjoy healthy, meaningful physical activity for a lifetime. Using the results of 2016 Shape of the Nation as an advocacy tool and the new ESSA funding opportunities for physical education, these educators are now poised to go directly to state decision makers to improve physical education policies and programs for all children.”
