Bay Shore Wellness Alliance

NASPE SPEAK Out! Day

NASPE SPEAK Out! Day

One of the Bay Shore Wellness Alliance members goes to Washington to advocate for Physical Education and Health Education.

NASPE members and supporters took to Washington on March 29 to “speak out” for physical education.  Over 70 people participated in the event from 25 states.  Among those who participated were NASPE members, NASPE/AAHPERD leaders, NASPE Corporate Council members, and partners.  Participants met with Senators and Congressmen from their home states to emphasize the importance of physical education and health education in our nation’s schools.  They asked legislators to support PE and HE as core subjects within Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization and to provide flexibility of federal education funding to these subjects.  Legislators were also asked to continue to fund the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) as a stand-alone program at its current level of funding.

NASPE received overwhelming support for physical education during the meetings with legislators and will continue to promote the importance of the health of our nation’s children.  To ask your Congressman to support PE and HE schools please visit theAAHPERD Legislative Action Center.

NASPE Awards Sen. Casey, Cong. Gerlach
For their leadership in advocating for quality school-based physical education and physical activity programs for all students, NASPE honored Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-PA 6th) each with the 2nd annual SPEAK OUT! Day Award at a luncheon during SPEAK Out! Day.  NASPE created the award to recognize federal legislators who have demonstrated their commitment and leadership in “speaking out” for physical education and physical activity.  Past recipients include Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Representative Ron Kind (D-WI 3rd).

A former school teacher and coach, Senator Casey has showcased his support for quality physical education, physical activity, and health education to be implemented in schools across the country by introducing an amendment to the Senate’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization (ESEA). In the fall of last year, he drafted an amendment which would establish a “well-rounded” education fund where states and districts can apply for funding in 11 different subjects, including physical education and health education. The amendment encourages partnerships with non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education or other state education agencies.

Representative Gerlach is an original sponsor of the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act.  The FIT Kids Act requires schools, districts, and states to provide information on the status of their physical education programs to be shared with parents and the community.  It also supports professional development for physical education teachers and funds a study to examine the link between physical activity and academic achievement.