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PLATFORM : A New Look for PE

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<i> BETTY HENNESSY, the consultant on physical education for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, says that advances in the study of physical education will change the role it plays in the curriculum. She told The Times:</i>

If kids aren’t doing well in reading, writing or mathematics, we try to give more of the same, when we should be providing quality physical-education programs that can improve health, and increase alertness by increasing oxygen to the brain.

But the Department of Education is introducing a new framework for physical education. We’ve never had one before. This document reflects innovations based on research and provides guidelines for all students rather than focusing on calisthenics and win-lose games.

Community members look at test scores in the paper, and physical education is not a requirement for entrance into the university system. But parents just aren’t aware of the (impact that a) quality physical education program can have. They think about what they had. But I know from experience that when you have a quality program, you can get support. Parents get excited when they see students succeed.

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