Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.R. No. 12 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Education to develop and require as part of the standards-based curriculum an elementary school-level physical education program for public schools to promote health-related fitness, physical competence, and cognitive understanding about physical activity for all students so that they can adopt healthy and physically active lifestyles.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the measure from the Department of Education, American Heart Association, Hawaii State Teachers Association, two University of Hawaii professors, and a high school student.

Your Committee finds that physical education plays a critical role in educating the whole student. Instead of physical education negatively affecting student achievement, it in fact enhances their academic performance. It helps them to concentrate, stimulates areas of the brain related to learning and thinking, and provides balance to the development of the mind.

Your Committee further finds that patterns of physical activity established in childhood and adolescence often remain with an individual throughout their lives. As such, lifelong health and holistic development of individuals can be put at risk absent sufficient physical education and activity during youth. Presently there is no requirement for physical education at the elementary level in Hawaii, and a Department of Education taskforce has recommended that the current requirements for physical education at the high school level be reduced.

Your Committee further finds that quality physical education programs from elementary through high school develop physically educated persons through a program of developmentally appropriate activities and concepts skillfully designed and implemented from elementary school through high school. It not only improves overall physical health and motor skill competence but also enhances self-esteem and personal and social responsibility. Your Committee encourages the Department of Education to develop and require physical education use at middle schools and high schools by providing the opportunity for students to utilize after-school athletic activities.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 12 and recommends its adoption.