Reactions to the 2012 Shape of the Nation Report

"With less schools mandating daily physical education, the newly released Shape of the Nation Report illustrates the need for parents to become more vocal advocates for physical education for their children. It's proven that healthy children are healthy learners, which means that parents should advocate for schools to make physical education a mandatory part of the school day. What's more, for many children, physical education class will be their only preparation for an active lifestyle."

Dr. Jayne Greenberg, President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, Miami-Dade County Public Schools

"The National Physical Activity Plan calls on states to adopt and aggressively implement policies aimed at enhancing the quality and quantity of physical education provided to America’s children and youth. The 2012 Shape of the Nation Report demonstrates clearly that many states have not yet made the commitments that will be needed to insure that our schools are effectively promoting students’ health and fitness. If we want a healthy future for this generation of young people, we have to do better.”   

Dr. Russell Pate, National Physical Activity Plan, Columbia, SC


“Quality education including physical education helps students move more, eat well, stay healthy, live longer, and do their best in school and in life. Every school should implement the recommendations of the Shape of the Nation Report. The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest in the nation, has adopted a physical education plan that is a best practice for other districts, according to Dr. Robert Ross of the California Endowment. However, even in states like California where physical education is required, half the districts audited do not comply. Students of color and low income students, who are most at risk for obesity, dropping out, and at risk behavior including gang violence, suffer first and worst when schools leave out physical education. Research tells us that physically active students get better grades, stay in school longer, have positive alternatives to crime, drugs and violence, and enjoy better health. Every public official, from the President, to governors in every state, to local school board members, needs to speak up on behalf of our children. Let's provide physical education for all.” 

Robert García, The City Project, Los Angeles, CA