I have been writing this blog for just over three years, now. While I occasionally write about things that are specific to my school district, I generally try to provide information about laws and policies implemented at the state level that affect our teachers, schools and students, globally. Sometimes, I get questions from people that lead me to a blog topic. Some questions reveal themselves to be a problem that is specific to a school district, but most relate to all of Louisiana.
Today, rather than being asked a question, I stumbled into a conversation where a parent asked if recess was mandated for kindergarten, or was it a local district/school decision? Admittedly, I heard this question asked before, but never gave it much thought. This time, it occurred to me that in the 2018 Regular Legislative Session, Representative Beryl Amedee introduced a bill mandating a 30 minute recess everyday for K-12. (Click here to read HB-842) I wasn’t sure what had happened to the bill, but a quick look revealed that while the bill made it out of the education committee, it died on the House floor with 52 nays and 44 yays.
I read through the bill quickly to see why such an idea wouldn’t be a slam dunk. I found that it was very straight forward and simply mandated 30 minutes per day for recess. I vaguely remember some of those who spoke in committee against the bill complaining that mandating 30 minutes out of the school day would reduce instructional time, which would affect test prep, which would blah, blah, blah.
I decided to do some research to see what the current laws and BESE policies actually say about recess. What I found made me realize that there was no need for the bill submitted by Amedee. I also found a few things related to this question that parents would be interested to know.
In 2004, the Louisiana Legislature passed a bill that requires that requires physical activity in schools. (Click here to read the law) In the very first section of the statute, it states:
§17.1. Required physical activity in schools
A.(1) Each public school that includes any of the grades kindergarten through eight shall provide at least thirty minutes each school day of quality moderate to vigorous physical activity for students.
Now, it is true that a scheduled physical education class satisfies this requirement; however, how many elementary schools do you know that allow 30 minutes of PE, each day? I don’t know of any. This statute is not a requirement for physical education. That requirement is covered elsewhere in BESE policy regarding minutes of instruction, but physical education can be used to meet the requirement. What this essentially says is that schools and districts should be providing recess time, ESPECIALLY if students aren’t scheduled in a PE class everyday; preferably in the form of two 15 minute recesses. In addition, Revised Statute 17:154.1 sets the minimum instructional day at 360 minutes, excluding lunches and recesses. Many schools are scheduled for 375 minutes of instruction, and in some cases, 380. Districts can and should carve out time for recess.
Further down in the last section of the “physical activity” statute, there is a requirement that school districts establish a “school health advisory committee.” This section states the following:
§17.1
D. Each city, parish, and other local public school board shall establish a school health advisory council to advise the board on physical activity for students, physical and health education, nutrition, and overall student health. The council may advise the board on issues relative to compliance with school vending machine restrictions, use of physical fitness assessment results, and school recess policies. The council members shall be appointed by the school board and shall include parents of students and individuals representing the community. All council members shall serve without compensation.
Notice that the word “shall” is in bold. This confirms that establishing the advisory council is not merely suggested. It is required. Does your district have one?
Finally, last but certainly not least. This is a related issue that I have experienced, first hand. While reviewing BESE policies regarding recess, I came across the Louisiana Physical Education Content Standards. It isn’t unusual to have physical education standards, but what I immediately saw within those standards, AT EVERY GRADE LEVEL, is most interesting.
Notice the portion shown above that is highlighted in red.
Note: It must be noted that the use of physical activity as punishment for any reason (e.g. poor behavior or performance) is NOT acceptable.
Additionally, it is NOT acceptable to withhold students from participation in physical education classes or recess for poor behavior or to make up work for absences.
Does your school withhold recess from students for poor behavior? Failure to turn in homework? Does your school punish students with physical activity for poor behavior? Failure to turn in homework?
Feel free to leave comments, below.
My son attended BR FLAIM and he absolutely had his recess taken for incomplete homework (“homework” that was basically a duplication of work he had completed and mastered in his target language)
My sons kindergarten class often skips recess once or twice a day, due to various reasons…rain, cold, wet grass….but they do not offer an alternative…usually they just work on Math or watch a movie…..furthermore, they also withhold recess as bad behavior punishment…..my son HATEs school because he never gets recess…..
So how can you make the school implement this law?
A good start would be to print the law and the standards provided in the links and meet with the principal.
I am very aware that a teacher in 5th grade at Fairview Elementary takes away recess due to students misbehavior. It’s not just one student, the whole class pays for the bad ones.
What’s awful is that none of this applies to charter schools. I guess New Orleans kids (about to become 100% charter) just don’t deserve a right to physical education or recess. I’d like to see legislation introduced that addresses the core of objections….up to 60 minutes of recess time can be counted as instructional minutes. Or can BESE just make this happen? Any ideas about how to approach/motivate legislators to introduce something like this? Most schools I know are definitely taking away recess time for in-class behavior and for make-up work. Some teachers get pretty upset when you say it shouldn’t be done.
Honestly, would anyone vote for a slightly extended day for a scheduled-promised 30 minute recess? Teachers and administrators are enjoying their local control-and sure they have their reasons but so do parents and evidence based research no one should ignore. Also Schools districts have been sued for not complying with physical activity time. ( California) . Recess is a basic human need like food and shelter in a developing child and adolescent (k-12). Some state labor laws mandate breaks based on consecutive hours worked for adults. You’ll find older students (not quite adults yet) are getting less (New Hampshire) Industry ‘break’ standards are even more leanient than break laws. Local control for many schools is a free pass out of accountability and following best practices. Dont fear change – embrace it ! Advocate ! All Kids Matter-Best of luck in LA!
We just moved from out of state and I am appalled at recess at my kids new school. This is supposedly the best public school in the area, they are supposed to offer 20 minutes a day but every day so far have forced the kids to stay on concrete and they are not allowed to run. They have a HUGE grassy area and a big beautiful playground d the kids have yet to use, and according to other parents they rarely use either. So disgusting.
Recess IS NOT mandated; however, schools are required to provide a minimum number of minutes of “physical activity.” This is inclusive of physical education, marching band, and other activities. There was an attempt to mandate recess in the 2018 legislative session, but it was quickly shot down because preparation for the state assessment is priority.Sarcasm.
If the legislators would take a look at scientific evidence they might see that students would probably score higher on standardized tests if they had more free time to unwind and get outside.
Most of the schools in Houma, LA do take recesses away for various behavioral reasons that would probably be remedied with proper amounts of physical activity.
Check out CDC guidelines prior to Covid…unfortunately they are not a law making body. A nationwide issue and I’ve done the homework- heartbreaking actually, whose paying attention? Least our state, NH at last has a law forbidding corporal punishment in the classroom since 1982 (I believe). Snagging recess, for whatever reason, punitive or school work makeup is like taking a math class away. Depriving a cognitive and physical break reduces learning later in the day. All kids have a right to education, right? Then why are they being set up to failure? Look at state employment laws ours say for every 5 hours of work get a 30 min break but standard business practices, ex: Walmart get 1 hr break after 6 hr working-thats a blended break with lunch. Umh, employment laws in favor of the employee-too bad kids couldnt unionize. So what about the developing mind and our future, ‘resting’ on these young kids of ours? Instruction or structured time does not allow for creativity. The very thing top companies like Google are looking for. Oh, and please dont forget Middle and High school kids. Fresh air, sunshine – the buddy bench isnt just for younger ones. Tons of peer to peer problems can be solved during this free time. No sunshine or freshair breaks from 6 to 12th grade, hardly a plant would survive. Check out the works of Peaceful Playgrounds, AAP’s statement and some of the success in Florida. And the many legislators who have brought the subject to the table only to get rejected. When will our society recognize this inhumane practice ? Recess is a basic human need. If your state should succeed, then try for recess before lunch and you’ll have go right back to battle all over again.