Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

Over the past several years, physical education has often been forced aside in the wake of increased emphasis on improvements to academic performance in the core areas of study such as science, math, and reading. This stems from the implementation of the Title II Elementary and Secondary Education Act (a.k.a. No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) and the expectation that all students in schools funded by the federal government will be "proficient" in these core subjects by the year 2014 (United States Department of Education, 2007). With this law in effect, many school districts are being forced to increase the amount of time spent on academic core subjects, placing less time and emphasis on physical education (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 2006). This decrease in the percentage of schools requiring physical education takes effect in each grade and results in the elimination of physical education programs across the country (Thomas, 2004). For example, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2001) states that 25.3% of junior high and 40% of high school students are exempt from required physical education classes due to enrollment in other classes or school activities (Centers for Disease Control, 2001). Physical activity is declining as well. Almost half of American youths 12-21 years of age are not vigorously active on a regular basis. This figure declines as these children progress throughout adolescence (Centers for Disease Control, 1999).

Year of Submission

2007

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Nancy Hamilton

Comments

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Date Original

5-2007

Object Description

1 PDF (iv, 48 pages)

Language

en

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