Minus a Medical Waiver, to Prevent Childhood Obesity, Should Fitness Standards Be a Requirement to Pass State Exams for K-12?

Brian (No)

While we all can agree that obesity is a serious problem in the United States, many believe this mandate would not be the most effective way to combat this problem. At this stage of life, fitness results may be achieved more due to factors such as genetics, physical growth timing, and biological maturation than effort (1). For instance, underdeveloped, nonathletic children may struggle to reach the required fitness standards more than children who are 30 lbs. overweight but more physically developed. Obesity is only one of several factors affecting the fitness levels of children and adolescents.

Another argument against such a policy is the effects of failing a class or grade regardless of how academically gifted the student is or how much effort they are putting forth. One failed class could be the difference between college acceptance and rejection, especially at top-rated schools. In addition, a study found that failing P.E. makes the probability of graduating lower than failing Algebra or English (2).

The goal at this stage of life should be to promote physical activity and establish healthy lifestyle choices. Such a policy may put an overemphasis on reaching performance goals, rather than stress the importance of physical activity and overall health. Although related, fitness and health are different things. Solely training to meet certain fitness goals will not do much to change the obesity levels of students if they are not accompanied by healthy eating and sleeping habits (3). While good fitness levels may be a goal for some, good health should be a goal for all. 

Heidi (Yes)

Childhood Obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. For children and adolescents aged 2-19 the prevalence of obesity is 18.5% and affects 13.7 million of this age group. (1). In addition, childhood obesity often leads to low self-esteem and depression. Learning healthy habits early on will lay the foundation for lifetime health. A majority of childhood is spent in school which would be the perfect opportunity to promote healthy habits, especially when it’s not practiced in the home.

    If this were to be integrated into state testing from early on, such as kindergarten, starting with small manageable exercises, and work up each year, these children will become conditioned to exercise and not overwhelmed after years of being sedentary as is the case now.  Children should be working towards 60 minutes of moderate exercise daily starting at 3 years old. (2). This should be taken just as seriously as English, Math, and other subjects. Some are gifted in one area, or the other, however, we all need to make effort in areas we struggle with in order to graduate and complete goals in life.

Overall good health is the goal, but this is an excellent start. The Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness states that foremost, the expansion of school physical education, dissuading children from pursuing sedentary activities, providing suitable role models for physical activity, and making activity-promoting changes in the environment. This statement outlines ways that pediatric health care providers and public health officials can encourage, monitor, and advocate for increased physical activity for children and teenagers. (3).