Recess In Schools

Every year 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the U.S. That is 7,000 students a day. U.S. schools can work to reduce this number by encouraging students to participate in school teams and activities that promote physical health. In order to positively affect a student’s life through physical education (PE), it is important to understand what percentage of schools still have PE and recess, to recognize the benefits of physical activity in the lives of students, and to participate in an activity if PE and recess are not offered, so that students can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many schools are canceling PE and recess. Almost,“62 percent of elementary schools and 20 percent of middle schools...(Trost, van der Mars) have canceled their time for PE or recess to make time for English and Math classes. They are saying that NCLB has had a hand in the pattern of schools starting to get rid of gym. NCLB is a law that says students must be tested in English and Math. This is pushing schools to cancel PE or recess classes to allow more time for English and Math classes.
This quote claims that keeping PE will not hurt the scores and if it does not help the scores they will stay the same. “In fact, a growing body of evidence shows that increased time for physical education and other school-based physical activity programs is associated with either a neutral or positive impact on academic outcomes.” (Columbia University) It is believed that physical activity will affect the rates of students who drop out of school. They believe this is caused by a sense of togetherness that is created by team sports at schools.