Bill Would Update Student Phys Ed Standards, Require Tests

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota state senator wants to hold more schools accountable for their students' physical education.

Sen. Susan Kent introduced a bill Monday that would require yearly assessments of students' physical health starting with the 2017 school year.

Students starting 9th grade in 2017 and later would also need two physical education credits to get their diploma.

Minnesota school districts are required to follow national physical education standards, but not all do. The bill from Kent, a Woodbury Democrat, would update those standards and bring wayward districts in line.

Kent says regular exercise helps students learn better while improving their short- and long-term health.

A recent report from the Minnesota Department of Education says few schools give their students the amount of weekly exercise recommended by the federal government.