Roe Files Bill to Increase Daily Physical Activity for Oklahoma Students
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has filed legislation to expand physical education requirements for students in full-day pre-K through 12th grade across Oklahoma. House Bill 3288 would increase required physical activity to 30 or 45 minutes per school day, depending on grade level, reflecting research linking regular exercise to stronger academic performance, improved mental health and better long-term health outcomes. "Students benefit when physical activity is built into their school day," Roe said. "This bill is about helping them learn better, feel better, and grow into healthier adults. Strong bodies support strong minds. Regular movement not only supports their health, but it also helps them focus, retain information, and perform better academically." The bill would expand current physical education requirements to include full-day pre-K and raise weekly activity time for elementary students from a weekly average of 60 minutes to a minimum of 150 minutes, or about 30 minutes per school day. Recess would not count toward the required minutes. For students in grades six through 12, the legislation would change current law by replacing language that "strongly encourages" districts to offer physical education with a requirement that districts provide at least 225 minutes per week, or about 45 minutes per school day. "Physical activity not only improves mood and quality of life, but it also helps in ways many people may not realize," Roe said. "By simply increasing the amount of time children are active each day, we can begin to address many of the issues affecting kids across our state. Research has shown that daily physical activity can lower cortisol levels and reduce inflammation, both of which are critical for healthy youth development. Roe also noted that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) could particularly benefit from increased opportunities for physical exertion. "I truly believe we would see benefits across the board when it comes to chronic disorders in students," Roe said. "When cortisol levels stay high, and inflammation becomes chronic, it can take a real toll on children’s developing bodies and brains. In the case of students with ADHD and ADD, they need to get that energy out of their bodies so that they can settle down and focus when they are in the classroom. It's an all-around win for our kids." HB3288 would encourage schools to schedule recess or light-to-moderate physical activity before tests and end-of-term assessments, recognizing research showing that movement can improve focus and academic performance. "We know that when adolescents spend more time exercising, it does more than improve their physical health," Roe said. "It can also positively impact brain development and function, helping with memory retention and leading to better performance on tests." The bill will also ensure that physical education cannot be withheld as punishment for students in pre-K through fifth grade, except in cases where safety is at risk, and requires accommodations so all students can participate in some form of activity. The curriculum would need to be developmentally appropriate, sequential and designed to help students build lifelong motor and self-management skills. At least 80% of class time would be spent in moderate to vigorous activity whenever possible, according to the measure, and programs would need to meet the needs of all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs. Oklahoma faces childhood and teen obesity rates of 17% , and 77% of high school students nationally could not pass a basic military fitness test, statistics Roe said highlight the need to prioritize physical readiness and overall health. "We have a real opportunity to change these numbers," Roe said. "By schools providing expanded opportunities for physical activity each day, we set them up for success both in school and in life." HB3288 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes on Feb. 2.