It is now undeniable that physical education (PE) is an essential part of student's academic experience. Exercise and wellness education have positive effects on children’s behavior and can help cultivate healthy lifestyle habits, and studies have shown positive correlations between the amount of children’s physical activity and their academic performance. In fact, New York State Education Law § 803 mandates physical education in varying amounts based on a student’s grade level. Still, many children are not receiving access to the required amount of PE.
As a result of a lawsuit addressing inequitable access to sports, New York City’s Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) will offer access to all 25 of its sports to every high school student across the city, starting with students at schools with under five teams in the fall of 2022, and then expanding citywide by the spring of 2023.
The resources below might be helpful to parents interested in the issue of access to physical activity in schools.
