Physical Education in Schools

Members of the Task Force on Physical Education in NYC Schools

Many of New York City’s public schools are failing to provide students with New York State mandated requirements for physical education. With studies clearly showing that school-based physical education correlates with improved academic achievement, student health and overall well-being, WCC created a Task Force on Physical Education in NYC Public Schools. The Task Force explores the problem of insufficient physical education in our school system and develops policy, recommendations and advocacy on this critical issue.

The Task Force released its report, “Physical Education in New York City’s Public Schools: A Missing Ingredient for Academic Success,” in November 2010. It found serious noncompliance with state mandates and contained recommendations to ensure that NYC Public Schools meet Physical Education standards.

Go to our Task Force on Physical Education page for more information about current priorities and recent actions.

Physical Education News:

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  • WCC Advocates Air Concerns About Lack of P.E. in Interview January 26, 2012
    To illuminate the widespread lack of physical education (P.E.) in NYC schools, two representatives of the Women’s City Club of New York (WCC) taped an interview for the January 29, 2012 edition of “Getting Your Money’s Worth.” Amy J. Schwartz and Dr. Katherine S. Lobach, respectively Chair and member of the WCC Task Force on [...]
  • New York Times Publishes WCC Letter on Physical Education November 2, 2011
    In response to a recent New York Times article on physical education, the WCC submitted the following letter, published in the October 28, 2011 edition.  The WCC’s Task Force on Physical Fitness advocates for the inclusion of comprehensive physical education in New York’s schools due to the myriad benefits it provides to students. Exercise in [...]
  • WCC Applauds Comptroller’s Audit of Physical Education in Schools October 4, 2011
    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 [...]
  • Title IX Violations Continue nearly 40 Years After its Inception July 5, 2011
    Last month marked the 39th birthday of the signing of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the federal statute prohibiting sex discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Despite almost 40 years since its enactment, violations of Title IX mandates still continue.   According to the American Association of University [...]
  • Letter to the Editor Advocates for Physical Education in NYC Schools June 27, 2011
    On June 1, 2011, WCC President Ruth Acker submitted the following letter to the editor to The New York Times: June 1, 2011 To the Editor: One ingredient is missing from Diane Ravitch’s excellent op-ed piece, “Waiting for a School Miracle” (The New York Times, June 1, 2011). To be sure, schools need “stable, experienced [...]