Dear Friends,
The health and well-being of our children is so important, and that’s why I championed legislation to implement statewide physical education standards and benchmarks for Minnesota schools last biennium. These standards will govern instruction of K-12 students across Minnesota.
Moving forward with that initiative, I am pleased to share that the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is in the process of finalizing and implementing those physical education standards through the rulemaking process.
Encouraging physical activity for students in K-12 cuts down on childhood obesity and helps kids do better academically in their other classes too. As a parent and former educator, I’ve seen the benefits of a well-rounded education that includes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle firsthand. What’s more, as a veteran, I know too many young adults who would be great assets to our country are turned away because they are unable to meet the physical requirements to serve. Promoting and ensuring schools provide physical education as part of a well-rounded curriculum is key to a better future for our children, state and nation.
Currently, MDE is advancing the physical education academic standards through expedited rulemaking, and will be taking public comments and input through October 6, 2017. You can submit your commentary or direct questions to the Department of Education by e-mail at kerstin.forsythe@state.mn.us or by mail to Kerstin Forsythe Hahn, Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Highway 36, Roseville, MN 55113.
To learn more about the rules being considered and how to share your input, visit MDE’s website here.
As always, thank you for the honor of being your state representative. Please contact me with any questions or input you may have; I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Bob