American Cancer Society Pushes For More Physical Education In Wisconsin Schools

This Wisconsin Chapter of the American Cancer Society is pushing for state legislation that requires more physical education for elementary students, in the wake of the society’s prediction that obesity could one day overtake tobacco as the leading cause of cancer.

Currently, Wisconsin school districts must have gym class three days a week for students in grades K-6. State law says those gym classes must reflect the length of other typical elementary classes, which are typically about 30 minutes long.

Sara Sahli, government relations director for the society’s Cancer Action Network, said the current amount of gym time isn’t enough for kids to stay fit even when recess time is also included.

“They certainly have recess, but we often talk about the difference between free play and structured physical education, where kids are learning skills they can use for a lifetime to make sure that they stay healthy,” said Sahli.

A bill to expand physical education stalled last session. It was supported by a number of health groups, but was also opposed by several school organizations.

“This bill is extremely well-intended with a laudable goal of helping to solve our youth obesity problem and improve the health and fitness of our children. It’s hard to argue with that. But in practice most school districts are simply not staffed to meet this expanded instructional requirement,” said John Forester, who directs government relations for the School Administrators Alliance.

Forester also noted that the bill didn’t provide funding for the expanded classes.

ACS says it is talking to lawmakers trying to find a new sponsor for the bill. The previous one, Rep. Chad Weininger, R-Green Bay, left the Assembly to take a job with Brown County government.