Virginia Legislation Calls for School P.E. Guidelines

Pediatrician groups and other health advocates are claiming a small victory in their efforts to press for physical education in Virginia's public schools.

Gov. Bob McDonnell has amended a bill that would require the state Board of Education to develop guidelines to incorporate P.E. in Virginia's elementary and middle schools, a small step in a wider attempt to combat the childhood obesity epidemic and related health risks. It's expected to pass both chambers next week and become law.

Bills that would require schools to offer students a set amount of physical education weekly have died in previous legislative sessions.

The General Assembly approved such legislation last year, but McDonnell vetoed it, agreeing with groups representing Virginia school boards, superintendents and localities, that called the measure an unfunded mandate.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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