Today, City Comptroller John C. Liu announced that an audit of the Department of Education (DOE) found that many elementary schools do not meet state guidelines for physical education (PE) and, that despite documenting high rates of obese and overweight students, the DOE has not filed a PE plan with the state since 1982.
According to the press release issued on October 4, childhood obesity “can lead to lifelong health problems such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. In a 2009 report, the DOE and the Department of Health (DOH) warned that local rates of childhood obesity were higher than the national average. That report, ‘Childhood Obesity is a Serious Concern in New York City,’ stressed that test scores rise alongside physical fitness. The report recommended that schools ensure that ‘all students receive the required physical education instruction each week, as mandated by the New York State Education Commissioner’s Regulations.’”
Amy J. Schwartz, Chair of the Task Force on Physical Education for the WCC, is quoted in the press release. “We are delighted that Comptroller Liu shares our commitment to the health and well-being of the city’s students,” she said. “This audit should serve as further inspiration to the DOE to implement what research has shown — that improved physical education leads to better academic performance.”
The audit recommended that the DOE:
- Create, implement, and regularly update a PE plan that meets state regulations for all schools.
- Adequately monitor school compliance with the state’s PE requirements.
- Ensure that principals are aware of the state’s PE requirements and advise them that it is their responsibility that students receive the mandated amount of PE.
The full report is available here.
