High School Students Participating in Different Types of Physical Activity

In the States

Illinois is the only state that has a law that requires daily physical education classes in grades K through 12.

State and local boards of education determine whether to implement and the extent of the requirements of physical education curriculum in the schools.

Physical education requirements vary greatly in elementary, middle/junior high and high schools among the states.

Due to academic requirements and lack of funding, some schools are phasing out recess and physical education programs.

Why Physical Activity Matters

Approximately 15 percent of children and adolescents-about 9 million young people-are overweight.

Nearly half of youths between the ages of 12 and 21 are not vigorously active on a regular basis, and participation in physical activity declines dramatically as age or grade in school increases.

Improved physical health and physical activity among adolescents are related to higher levels of self esteem and self concept and lower levels of anxiety and stress. These benefits are likely to have a positive effect on student achievement.

Adults will generally have fewer chronic diseases if they are physically fit as young people. Physical inactivity and poor diet together account for at least 400,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/physicalactivity/index.htm

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