NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Tennessee bill that would increase physical activity requirements for Kindergarten through 12th grade students aims to have a positive impact on children, but some educators are worried about how they’d implement the proposed changes.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka) and Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald) would increase the recess requirement for elementary students from the current 15 minutes per day and 130 minutes per week, to 40 minutes per day.
In addition, the proposed legislation would require middle and high school students to receive 90 minutes of physical activity, or “unstructured play outside” per week, not including their traditional physical education courses.
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“The studies that are there that I have show unequivocally that more recess time leads to better socialization of our students, less distractions in the classroom, less disciplinary actions, better teacher satisfaction, and lastly, what we’re all looking for is better academic success of our students,” Rep. Cepicky said.
While that may be true, JC Bowman, executive director and CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee, told News 2 some educators are worried there isn’t enough space at the school or time in the day to implement the increased physical activity the bill would require.
“They’re not going to be able to balance this,” Bowman said. “They’re going to have to take some things away, and I don’t know what those things would be.”
Bowman suggested reducing some of the state-mandated testing requirements, which another bill in the legislature would do, to make time for more recess.
Some educators are also worried how they would manage required recess time at middle and high schools.
“They’re going, ‘Who is going to supervise these kids, and where are they going to go? Are they all going to be walking the halls? We only have one gymnasium,’ so it’s going to be difficult to implement,” Bowman said.
Bowman believes high school students should receive course credit for the increased physical activity requirement, and he hopes lawmakers consider eliminating some of the state’s testing requirements to make time for more recess.
Bowman believes students need more physical activity, but he worries the bill will cause problems if it passes in its current state.
“It’s going to be a challenge, and I think the logistical side of this was not considered by legislators,” Bowman said. “We’ll be back next year to hear the complaints, and we’re going to hear parents file complaints. I predict we’ll see a lot of school districts ask for waivers on meeting this requirement.”
The bill will be debated in the House Education Committee Tuesday. The Senate version will go to the floor Monday.
