C.R.S. Section 22-99-101
Legislative declaration

(1)

The general assembly finds that:

(a)

While ensuring cognitive development and strong academic outcomes for Colorado’s students is of paramount importance, focus must also be placed on the whole student, including their physical, psychological, and social health and development;

(b)

Not only does physical education instruction reduce childhood obesity and foster a lifetime commitment to physical activity and healthy lifestyles, but a 2007 study by the institute of medicine found that physical activity also has a positive impact on cognitive ability and brain development, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and avoiding tobacco use;

(c)

According to the United States department of defense, in 2018, obesity was one of the top reasons why seventy-one percent of Americans ages seventeen to twenty-four did not meet the military’s physical requirements for military service;

(d)

Recent research has demonstrated that there is a positive relationship between frequency of physical education and academic achievement;

(e)

In addition, increased time devoted to physical education has been demonstrated to lead to positive development of social skills, social behaviors, self-esteem, pro-school attitudes, and improved mental health;

(f)

Further, children who have physical education instruction are two and one-half times more likely to be active adults;

(g)

Quality physical education strengthens the whole child through movement competency, cognitive development, and social-emotional wellness to achieve lifelong health benefits; and

(h)

In 2016, a coalition of Colorado-based health and wellness organizations and educators drafted a model physical education policy based on research and best practices for voluntary adoption by schools and school districts.

(2)

Therefore, the general assembly declares that it is important to the health and well-being of Colorado’s children and youth to ensure competent and comprehensive quality physical education instruction in Colorado schools through the creation of a pilot program for comprehensive quality physical education instruction based on the model physical education policy and through the subsequent evaluation of the pilot program’s impact on participating children and youth.

Source: Section 22-99-101 — Legislative declaration, https://leg.­colorado.­gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-22.­pdf (accessed Oct. 20, 2023).

Green check means up to date. Up to date

Current through Fall 2024

§ 22-99-101’s source at colorado​.gov