There’s a current debate around Governor Newsom’s plan to cut out the PE test, specifically the body measurement portion, due to casting anxiety and shame among students. The test was originally initiated to assist in supporting students who were seen at risk for diabetes and obesity.
“Under Newsom’s proposal, which is part of his 2020-21 budget plan, the California Department of Education would suspend the current test for three years while officials find an alternate way to measure students’ physical fitness. If the proposal passes, the PE test could be eliminated as soon as the 2020-21 school year, although students would still be required to take physical education classes.”
People state that if bullying is a problem, instead of eliminating the PE test there should be courses addressing bullying. People predict that if the PE test is no longer required, they will underemphasize student’s health.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the best way to prevent childhood obesity in schools is not through body-mass testing, but through a comprehensive health curriculum that includes families, after-school programs, pediatricians and community groups.”
An additional concern parents are having is the fact that the PE tests are based on gender and ask the students to state the gender they are born with, therefore; if students don’t identify with their gender at birth then there will be additional discomfort.
