Appeals court rules that California public schools must comply with physical education law
There’s no slacking off now for school kids -- the California Court of Appeal has ruled that public elementary schools must provide 200 minutes of physical education every 10 days (an average 20 minutes a day), in compliance with state laws. For middle and high schools, that number bumps up to an average 40 minutes a day.
The ruling overturns a Sacramento trial court decision that the law was not legally enforceable, and that parents could not enforce the law. A parent in the Auburn Unified School District had sued the district, the California Department of Education and the school board to enforce the law.
“Thankfully, the California Court of Appeals recognizes that law means law and that public schools must provide adequate physical education. The ruling will help students move more, stay healthy, and do their best in school and life as part of a quality education,” said Robert Garcia, executive director and counsel of the City Project, a nonprofit, in a news release. “The health of California’s next generation is at stake here. What could be more important?”
According to the release, the case will go back to the trial court for more proceedings.
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