Enhancing Physical Education

Physical education is proven to improve grades and standardized test scores, increase healthy behaviors, and help students stay on-task in the classroom. One report found that kids do markedly better in math, reading, and writing when they are physically active on a regular basis. And routine physical activity reduces kids’ risks of developing chronic issues such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We now have an opportunity for state, district, and school policymakers to embrace physical education – creating policies, setting standards, and providing the resources students need to be successful in all areas of life. 

Illinois’ kids deserve to have physical education so they can be academically competitive, healthy, and ready to take on the challenges that face the next generation. That is why we are advocating for all Illinois students to be given the opportunity to participate in high-quality physical education programs for 150 minutes per week in elementary schools, and 225 minutes per week in high schools. This structure ensures equity for all of our students, regardless of their ZIP code.