The Florida House K-12 Innovation Subcommittee passed a watered-down version of a bill to require recess in public schools on Tuesday.
State lawmakers unanimously approved a committee substitute bill for the original proposal, HB 67, which would blend recess and physical education classes as part of Florida’s 50 minute per week requirement for physical education.
The original proposal would have required school districts to provide a mandatory 20 minutes of recess each day when P.E. classes aren’t held -- adding up to a total of 100 minutes of recess time each week for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
That change to the bill is especially controversial among physical education experts, who say adding recess in addition to physical education has several benefits, including improving memory, attention and concentration.
The Centers for Disease Control, Shape America and other national organizations recommend giving elementary school students at least 20 minutes of recess each day on top of P.E. classes and advise against using recess to meet time requirements for physical education in schools.
“Making recess part of every student’s day will contribute to their overall health, development, and success,” the CDC wrote.
The Senate companion bill, sponsored by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, has sailed through its respective committees with unanimous support.
The House legislation, on the other hand, has had a slightly more difficult time making its way through that chamber.
Legislators and supporters of the bill, especially the “recess moms” have said recess provides kids the opportunity to socialize and build real-world skills.
“It will allow school districts Provided daily, in addition to physical education, research supports our strong commitment to empower all kids to lead healthy and active lives,” said SHAPE Florida, which opposed the new measure.
“Kids need time to play and burn off excess energy,” said bill cosponsor Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota. “[Recess] is part of growing up and is as important as other classes these kids take every day.”
Last year, the proposal had a relatively easy time making its way through the House, but reached a roadblock in the Senate when the Senate Education Committee failed to hear the bill.
Bill sponsor Rep. Rene Plasencia, R-Orlando, recognized the proposal had been changed significantly from its original form, but said the changes were needed in order for the legislation to pass.
“There’s a lot [involved] in getting bills moving,” Plasencia said. “Nothing is ever simple in this process.”
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
