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Summary: This survey, a follow-up to a 2004 report also conducted by the office, found that while small improvements in access to P.E. have been made, only 4% of third graders participate in P.E. class every day, as mandated by state law. The Public Advocate found that despite a growing obesity crisis, the Department of Education (DOE) is still failing to provide students with the adequate and legally mandated amount of physical education (P.E.).
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New York City public schools aren't doing enough to help kids stay fit, according to a report released Sunday by Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum.Gotbaum's office found that the majority of elementary and middle schools are falling far below the state physical education mandates.
"Diabetes is a huge problem in this city and one of the ways kids can avoid getting diabetes is by having adequate exercise," said the public advocate.
Among the findings: 96 percent of schools do not meet phys ed requirements for third graders, and 88 percent fall short in their requirements for fourth graders.
"What's so frustrating about the child obesity epidemic is that is often has a simple if unsurprising remedy: activity and physical education," said Comptroller William Thompson at a press conference Sunday to unveil the report.
"You know what? They're doing too much testing about reading and math; let's have a little more physical activity, that would make our kids well rounded and healthy," added Gotbaum. "We need have the school system figure out a way to incorporate physical activity into their daily sessions."
State regulations require daily physical education classes through third grade and a minimum of two hours per week from fourth through sixth grades.
DOE says Gotbaum's numbers are flawed because about one-third of the schools she contacted did not respond.
The department also points out that dance classes can satisfy the P.E. requirement. One mom says her son is learning dance and loving it.
One mom says her son is learning dance and loving it.
"That's obviously very physical and they learn various international dance techniques."
Denham says her kids also run a lot during recess. But some parents agree with Gotbaum, saying the schools are not doing enough.
"A couple kids get together in the gym and play, but it's not a real workout," said another parent. "Not like he gets out here in the street."
A DOE spokesperson says the department is making progress in fitness and health education, and points out that 90 percent of elementary schools have dedicated phys ed teachers, up from 75 percent five years ago.
