PROTECTING PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The basics of health and nutrition are fundamental - a lesson we must teach our students. Unfortunately, more than one-third of Texas students are overweight, putting them at higher risk for numerous chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Without ongoing health and physical education (PE) resources in our schools, our youth risk becoming the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents. It was clear in the mid-2000s that the focus of education had moved away from this critical bedrock. In 2007, with the support of many concerned Texans - including Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, the Father of Aerobics - we were able to unanimously pass Senate Bill 530, which required “moderate or vigorous� daily physical activity in grades K-8, physical activity in middle school, annual physical fitness assessment in grades K-12 and the reporting of the assessments (without names) to the Texas Education Agency in summary form. These assessments allow the Commissioner of Education to measure the relationship between the health of our students and their academic performance, attendance, disciplinary problems, and other issues. Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper and The Cooper Institute, with a mission of improving health and wellness through research and education, continue to advocate for more well-rounded programs, with adequate physical activity and fitness assessment, to ensure that children are gaining from the existing programs.
Health and wellness success will help Texas to raise the next generation of college-ready, military-ready, and career-ready individuals who will live healthy lives. I appreciate Dr. Cooper and the Cooper Institute for their important work, which is evident in the contents of this report. Very truly yours,
Jane Nelson
Texas State Senator | District 12
