PE in Schools

Bringing real PE back to Nevada schools

Chris Brandlin on physical education and childhood health in Nevada — and what he means by "real" PE.

The distinction he draws is between physical education that teaches durable skills and habits, and a period that occupies time without changing anything. The importance of physical education in schools is well established: it is one of the few interventions that reaches every child regardless of what their family can afford or organise, which is precisely why the requirement matters more than any voluntary programme.

This is squarely a state-level question. PE requirements, instructional minutes, and staffing are set through the Nevada Legislature and the state and district boards — not in Washington. Federal Physical Activity Guidelines set a benchmark most children currently miss.

Related: the children's health agenda, the youth fitness challenge, and screen time versus real play.

More at education reform and parental rights.