School Board Removes Requirements for Health, PE Courses

School gym” by David J licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: Salt Lake Tribune

A state school board has drawn criticism for creating a policy in which health, art, physical education, and career awareness classes are optional for middle school students.

The board also removed minimum credit requirements for core subjects, including English, math, and science.

While the new policy places more power on individual school administrators to regulate each student’s enrollment and progress, many are concerned funding issues will negatively impact students.

“Schools tend to cut the optional in favor of the required, because our public schools are underfunded,” explained Crystal Young-Otterstrom, executive director of the Utah Cultural Alliance.

Those who oppose the new policy are also concerned the elimination of mandatory health education courses will contribute to the growing number of teen suicides in Utah.

Read Full Story: Salt Lake Tribune

Education, News
Education, News