Recess receding in schools to accommodate P.E. mandate
Olly, olly, oxen free! Recess is hiding at many Okaloosa County schools. With a new state mandate for 150 minutes per week of physical education, schools such as Liza Jackson Preparatory School ended any unstructured play this year. School officials say they just don’t have the time.
Assistant Principal Julie Jenzen said lawmakers mean well in implementing the law, but students need a break during the day.
“But we also have to follow the mandates that we get,” she added.
With increasing state regulations on core subjects, including math and reading, the school couldn’t afford to cut instructional time, Jenzen said.
Schools in other parts of the state have combated the problem by extending the school day. Jenzen said that’s not an option.
“I’d rather see them have that extra 20 minutes at home having unstructured play time.”
Many schools cut recess out before the new mandate.
Southside Elementary Principal Donna Holloway said students get unstructured play time through academic games.
“So, it’s not that children don’t have unstructured time, it’s just not outside,” Holloway said.
But because of class-size reduction, space prohibits Southside Elementary School from entertaining bringing it back.
“Much of our playground area has been taken up with portables,” Holloway said.
Okaloosa County Superintendent of Schools Alexis Tibbetts said recess is fine as a reward, but it can pose a safety concern.
“I would prefer the students have structured playtime under the supervision of a P.E. teacher,” she said.