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Requirement becomes an option Senate Panel Protects Music, Arts Courses A proposal to mandate more physical education in middle school was amended last week to allow students to choose music, art or other optional courses instead of PE. Senate Bill 610, sponsored by Senator Lee Constantine (RAltamonte Springs) and supported by Governor Charlie Crist, had required 30 minutes of physical education class every day for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The bill faced opposition from parents and students who felt the increased PE requirement would crowd other courses, primarily the arts, out of the curriculum. Senator Don Gaetz (RNiceville) joined with Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla (R-Miami) to change the bill's direction from a requirement to an option. Under an amendment sponsored by the two senators, parents can choose to enroll their students in any course offered by their school district or to indicate in writing that their children participate in after-school sports or physical activities. Students who are required to take remedial courses are also exempted from the extra PE courses. Students whose parents don't opt for an alternative would be enrolled in a daily physical education class, based on the changes made today in the Senate Education Committee. "With this amendment, every parent who values performing or visual arts, forensics, band, or chorus can choose those courses for their middle school children," Gaetz said. Gaetz had previously announced his opposition to Senate Bill 610 as originally introduced. He is a strong supporter of school music and arts programs. He is a life member of the National Debate Coaches Association and often served as a volunteer speech and debate coach for middle and high school teams in state and national competition. The legislation must clear the Health Policy and Appropriations Committees before going to the Senate floor. |
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