Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HJM 4002
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. |
Brief Description: Requesting reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act to include health and fitness.
Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan, Simpson and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/09
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195)
Background:
The federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires all teachers of core academic subjects to meet a federal definition of "highly-qualified" to teach in that subject. The core academic subjects are language arts, reading, English, science, mathematics, history, government, geography, economics, arts, civics, and designated world languages. The definition of highly qualified requires at least a bachelor's degree, full state teacher certification, and demonstrated subject area and teaching competencies. The competencies can be met in a number of ways.Schools that receive Title I funds must notify parents if a student has been taught for more than a month by a teacher who is not considered highly qualified. States are required to report annually on the number of teachers in the state not considered highly qualified.In Washington, physical education requirements are set by rule by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). In grades one through eight, students must receive an average of 100 instructional minutes of physical education (PE) per week. The rules specify that a one credit course or its equivalent shall be offered in PE for each grade in the high school program. Two of the 19 credits for graduation must be health and fitness credits that align with current essential academic learning requirements (EALRs) at grade 10 or above.
Pursuant to statute, by the end of the 2008-09 school year, school districts must have assessments in place in elementary, middle, and high schools to assure that students have an opportunity to learn the EALRs in health and fitness. A subsequent statute enacted in 2007 set as a goal, not a mandate, that by 2010: (1) all students in grades one through eight have at least 150 minutes of quality PE every week; and, (2) all student health and fitness instruction be conducted by appropriately certified instructors.
Summary of Bill:
It is requested that in the reauthorization of the NCLB, health and fitness, including PE, be identified as a core academic subject area to be taught by highly qualified teachers.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.