Representatives from Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), will meet with Congressional representatives in Washington, DC for SHAPE America’s – Society of Health and Physical Educators 8th annual SPEAK Out! Day, March 1-2.
The goal of the group of 190 physical and health educators, is to ensure that school health and physical education are appropriately funded and addressed in the new federal education law.
A delegation from the Kentucky Association for Health, Physical Education Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD), includes Executive Director Jenny Dearden, President Jamie Sparks and President Elect Deborah Campbell with Madison County Schools.
Northern Kentucky will be represented by KAHPERD Board Member Candace Young with Newport Independent Schools and Diana O’Toole, PEP Coordinator with Erlanger-Elsmere Independent Schools, Ludlow Independent Schools, Beechwood Independent Schools and Silver Grove Independent Schools.
“SHAPE America advocates have been critically important to the inclusion of health and physical education as part of a well-rounded education in ESSA,” said SHAPE America Senior Manager of Advocacy, Carly Braxton. “Our work is far from over. Our programs will be competing for Title I, II and IV funding with many other subjects in every state and school district.”
SHAPE America is the nation’s largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals. Since its founding in 1885, the organization has focused on excellence in physical education, and National Standards for K-12 Physical Education.
During face to face meetings on Capitol Hill, teachers representing 45 states, will offer insight and perspective on the negative impact that occurs when health and PE are marginalized. They will also share stories of success when these programs are sustained and thriving in schools and ask their members of Congress to support robust funding for health and PE programs within their state.
“Joining together with other health and physical educators from across the country is critical for collectively charting this new direction and opportunity within ESSA,” said Sparks. “We are excited for this advocacy opportunity thanks to KAHPERD and SHAPE America. Our 2016 KAHPERD theme is ‘Show Me the Money’ about the benefits of improved health and financial return on investment.”
KAHPERD’s delegation and fellow advocates will ask Congress to fully fund ESSA in FY2017, and specifically to fund Title IV Part A of ESSA at $1.65 billion.
This will allow health and PE programs to have access to significant funding. Under Title IV, block grants will be distributed to states, replacing the previous Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant.
The delegation will also seek support for implementing ESSA in their states in a way that is advantageous and equitable for health and PE so that these programs can continue to support life-long healthy habits of all students.
New during this year’s event, SHAPE America will hold a Shape of the Nation Summit, highlighting state PE policy opportunities and a preview of the highly anticipated Shape of the Nation Report coming out later this year.
The report gives a snapshot of PE and physical activity policies across the country.
Information will also be shared on how health and PE professionals can get involved in 50 Million Strong by 2029 , SHAPE America’s commitment to empower children to lead healthy and active lives through health and PE programs.
For more event details, click here .
KAHPERD