School Recess Bill Clears House Panel
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — A state House bill which would allow Florida students to get a little fresh air during the course of their school day has cleared another hurdle.
On Tuesday, a House panel unanimously approved a bill that would require elementary schools to set aside 20 minutes each day for "free play recess." Schools could not withhold recess for academic reasons or to punish students.
Mothers of school children testified in favor of the legislation and said kids need recess to expend energy and give them a break from schoolwork. Some expressed frustration that school boards have resisted recess time.
One House member said legislators are partly to blame because they have placed academic mandates on school districts.
Florida law already mandates that students spend time on physical education instruction and reading during the week.
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