FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5551

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Keiser, Kastama, Marr, Murray, McDermott, Shin, McAuliffe, Fairley, Kline, Pridemore, Oemig, Regala, Kauffman and Kohl-Welles).

Background: Current law establishes the total number of instructional hours that school districts must provide students. The instructional hours must cover the essential academic learning requirements and other subjects and activities that a school district deems appropriate. Instructional hours may include recess. However, school districts are not specifically required to provide a daily recess period.

The duties of the Superintendent of Public Instruction include promoting the adoption of school-based curricula and policies that provide quality, daily physical education for all students, and to encourage policies that provide all students with opportunities for physical activity outside of formal classes.

Current law requires that every public school student in voluntary all-day kindergarten or in first through eighth grades receive instruction in physical education and high school students must earn at least two physical education credits, unless excused. Additionally, there are goals for school districts to provide at least 150 minutes of quality physical education in grades first through eighth every week by 2010.

Summary: By December 1, 2009, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, with the statewide parent-teacher organization, must conduct and report to the Legislature the results of a survey of elementary schools regarding the availability and perceptions of the importance of recess. The survey must include specific questions provided but the survey is not limited to the provided questions.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	41	6
House	94	4