Mandatory Physical Education Controversy

Public Controversy

Physical Education in America’s Public Schools

Americans have been arguing back and forth whether their children should be “forced” into Physical Education (Conor, 2006). Some argue their children are not capable of physical activity. Some argue it’s healthfully beneficial. One counterargument someone might use is that their children are not fit to engage in physical activity. Another counterargument someone might use is that there is not enough funding for physical education (Hurley). I will argue physical education should be mandatory in all states, but can be accommodated to fit most children’s needs due to health attributions.

Conor, Aaron. (2009, April 6). Should physical education be mandatory. Retrieved November 9, 2011, from http://www.helium.com/items/688884-should-physical-education-be-mandatory

Hurley, Ryan. (2004, June 1). Physical Education, Extracurricular Sports Suffer Under Budget Strains. Retrieved November 13, 2011 from http://www.weac.org/news_and_publications/education_news/2003-2004/phyed.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011, Oct 17). Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ObesityAndKids/

Eissler, Rob. (2011, May 23). State Rep. Rob Eissler says 34 children die from obesity every hour. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2011/may/31/rob-eissler/state-rep-rob-eissler-says-34-children-die-obesity/

Adams, Mike. (2006, August 2). Physical Education is key to improving a child’s confidence, brainpower and long-term health. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.naturalnews.com/019837.html

NutriStrategy. (2010). Health benefits of Exercise. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.nutristrategy.com/health.htm

Adams12 Five Star Schools. (2010-2011). Current Budget Pie Chart. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.adams12.org/budget_cuts/pie_chart

Watson, Julia. (unknown). Obesity’s Officially Genetic! Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.viewzone.com/obesity.html

Aspen Education Group. (2007, December 7). 4 Year Old Dies from Obesity Complications. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.myoverweightchild.com/blog/2007/12/4-year-old-dies-from-obesity.html

Past and Present

In Richard’s summary of “Do No Harm”, a medic is required to help out the enemy, which is part of the Geneva Convention. Parents are often arguing that their children should not be forced to take physical education; their children are ultimately their children and they can do what they want. As Americans, we are trying to decrease mortality rate by enforcing a voluminous amount of health laws to preserve children’s health – just like a medic is required to help an enemy out of sheer law for the enemy’s health, not because of the war. However, should the law really intrude on people’s life for their safety?

Research Next Steps

I expect to learn both sides of the arguments and use well-developed controversies to argue and support. I also expect to learn how important this topic is to American Children’s health so I can grasp my audience’s attention.