Connecticut Senate Bill SB00577

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/11
• Refer: 1/21/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Participation In Interscholastic Athletics And The Physical Education Component Of The High School Graduation Requirements.

Impact

The impact of SB00577 on state laws is significant as it alters the current regulations regarding graduation requirements. Specifically, it enables a practical alternative to traditional physical education courses, potentially increasing student involvement in athletics. This change could lead to a broader interpretation of physical education that values various forms of physical activity, not limited to formal classes, thereby potentially enhancing student engagement in physical health activities and better equipping them for a physically active lifestyle.

Summary

SB00577 aims to amend the existing educational statutes by allowing students who participate in at least two interscholastic or intramural sports teams per academic year to substitute this participation for a physical education class. The proposed law intends to recognize the physical activities involved in sports as a valid component of physical education, thus allowing students to fulfill graduation requirements more flexibly. This amendment is designed to encourage active participation in school sports and promote a healthier lifestyle among students.

Contention

There could be points of concern regarding SB00577 relating to how schools might implement this change. For instance, questions may arise about the effectiveness of interscholastic sports as a substitute for structured physical education and whether this shift could lead to disparities in access to sports across different schools. Furthermore, stakeholders might debate whether participating in sports sufficiently covers the educational and health objectives outlined in physical education courses, potentially leading to discussions about the quality of physical instruction students may receive.