GoArts News:
- SB 890 and HB 1855 Filed: Expanded MS Physical Activity Requirements
The bills increase the requirement for physical activity in middle school (grades 6-8) from 4 semesters to every semester.The bills expand upon the requirements implemented via SB 530 signed into law in the previous legislative session.
Immediate Action Needed:
- Review the bill summary below
- Call your senator and representative and request they not sign on as a sponsor of this bill.
If you are a parent who does not want your child’s access to academic courses limited by a state physical activity requirement, you should call.
On Wednesday, February 18, Senator Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) filed SB890 to increase the middle school physical activity requirement from 4 semesters to ALL semesters in grades 6-8. Thus Senate Bill 890 will require that every student participate in 30 minutes of physical activity every day of middle school. The House companion bill, HB 1855, was filed February 26 by Representative John Davis (R-Houston).
The passage of the bills could limit a student’s access to fine arts programs and as an example force students into difficult choices between orchestra and foreign language in seventh grade. In addition, ever increasing moves to gain high school credits in middle school, double blocking of TAKS-assessed courses, TAKS pull-out, and local requirements exacerbate the problem. You need to call your senator and representative IMMEDIATELY and ask them not to sign on as a sponsor of this legislation. When you call the Capitol ask to speak to the person who handles the legislator’s education policy. Be brief and concise in your comments.
If you believe this legislation represents an unfunded mandate and you also believe that it would place a strain on your district’s facilities and staffing, then you need to share that information as well. As we all know, adding more physical education instructors could result in cuts in staffing in other elective areas such as music.
Many believe that any legislation that costs money will not stand much of a chance of passing this session. That may be our best defense. But most importantly, you need to speak to how it will negatively affect elective choices for students at a time when the importance of the arts is being documented in more meaningful and compelling ways (e.g., Dan Pink’s message delivered at the Capitol and at our convention’s First General Session).
You may identify your senator or representative by entering your home address in their search website.
Many thanks for your continued efforts on behalf of students in Texas schools. Please share any thoughts with me on this issue and let me know if you talk to someone at the Capitol. Your first priority should be your senator since this is a senate bill. We all support the intent of this bill – to encourage healthy lifestyles for children and address obesity and diabetes issues. However, like all legislation, the unintended consequences of this bill must be considered before placing into law.