Physical Education and Health Education Requirement Bill
House File 2209/senate File 1882
Background
Missing from the schedule of many students this year are two classes that used to be a given: health and physical education classes. Physical education had been required in Minnesota since 1923, but the Minnesota Legislature eliminated the requirement for health and physical education in 2003 when it established a new high school graduation requirement system. As a result, beginning in 2003, health and physical education must be offered, but need not be required, for students in grades 9-12. Health and physical education need not even be offered for students in grades K-8.
This bill would reinstate academic standards and instruction in physical education and health education (where much of sexual health education curriculum is taught).
The lead organization for this bill is the American Heart Association/Greater Midwest Affiliate and the bill is also supported by numerous organizations, including Sex Ed for Life.
Return to 2004 Legislative Session
