Why are schools cutting their physical education programs?

They know that kids need exercise so they don't become overweight or obese when they are older. Why is it that they are cutting the programs when they know it's good for the kids? Why isn't the government forcing stricter standards on physical education?

The most common answer to this question is that schools across America are putting more emphasis on math and science. To make room for these classes, though, they have to cut out other programs.

Physical education is the easiest to trim off, as people won't get into such an uproar about it (as opposed to cutting out fine arts). Also, keeping kids physically fit is not so much the school's responsibility, but that of the parents of these kids - again, making it easier on the schools' consciences to drop the programs.

As for the government, maybe they're freaking out about the number of engineers being pumped out of Asia. Sure, we'd be a fat nation, but at least we'd still be on top. =p

[edit on 28-6-2008 by deserode]

I remember hearing something about how PE made some kids feel bad, because they weren't as physically fit as the other students. I'm a bit of a nerd myself, but I always enjoyed the PE classes in High School.
Part of the problem is the hand holding you're starting t find in schools. It's ridiculous.

Some blame Bush's No Child Left Behind program.

I'm not sure that's valid, because PE, music, and arts and crafts heve been on the chopping block for a long time whenever budgets get tight.

Here's a Google search with many discussions of the matter.

www.google.com...

The cuts to any subject not related to math and science has increased under NCLB. Some schools have cut back on history!

Face it. American youth (especially lower income?) have increased their girth over the years, along with the general population.

If a student is deficient in science or math, he can get tutoring. An overweight/out of shape student needs to have a better diet/more exercise, which would involve help from home/doctor. PE teachers can no more make an obese student svelte, than a math teacher make a low IQ student learn college prep Algebra.

reply to post by deserode

It makes little sense as to why schools should cut ANY of their programs to begin with. I've always assumed that schools cut their physical education program because they feel like since kids weren't participating in PE that it was a waste of time. I also do believe that some schools are even cut there sports program, and while cutting sports/physical education may not affect the school's education system as a whole it does affect the athletes of the school.

www.boston.com...

That is an example of a school that did cut its sports program and it is leaving the athletes unhappy. Schools need athletes. Athletes are positive role models for the kids that show kids they can do well in school and still play sports.

If they got rid of physical education and sports programs they would be demotivating kids, as, physical education and sports, are, essential to the health and self-esteem of people that are around that age.

reply to post by Frankidealist35


Because all students must be brought up to grade level and testing is indicative of this effort, students who are not up to grade level are being required to take more hours (classes) of math and language. Courses that are cut are ones with little/no testing value.

The United States school system is different from others in the world. In the US system, sports and social activities are a big part of the system. Think football, etc. and proms and clubs. In other countries, these sports and activities are tied to communities, not a part of the school system.

School sports, therefore, are part of a school budget. Even in hard financial times, trying to do away with them would be a cultural upset, akin to doing away with a constitutional right.

Business leaders and politicians are trying to change the US school system to academically be like others in the world, but, in truth, academics in US schools is not the focus as it is elsewhere. Other countries do not have to use sports as an academic motivator, academics is the academic motivator.

From what I've seen, most the cut monies go to hire more administrators.

Not to mention the teachers are still buying classroom supplies out of their own pockets and have been doing so for some time.



I never could find a statistic I read about some time back.

Said statistic commenting that 80% of Californias school budget went to administration.

If someone knows what the actual statistics are I'd like to see them please.

I hope they get cut!

I'm a senior in High-School and we are forced to take 2 years of a physical education class. I took 1 yesr freshman year and now I am forced to take another worthless P.E. class instead of continuing spanish!