Banning recess?!

[chideltjen]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...e_me/no_recess

TACOMA, Wash. - Outside of lunch playtime, recess is forbidden, a Tacoma School District official has found it necessary to remind principals. _

"If we want students learning to high standards, we need them in the classroom, not the playground," Karyn Clarke, assistant superintendent for elementary schools, said this week.

At least 20 of the district's 36 elementary schools have no breaks except for lunch, The News Tribune of Tacoma found in a quick survey.

But Whittier, the one determined to have a formal afternoon recess signaled by a bell, led the district in math and writing scores for fourth-graders and ranked second in reading on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning.

"If you take it away, all the kids will be grouchy," student Elizabeth Withrow told the newspaper.

At several other schools, several teachers might arrange to have recess at the same time every day, taking turns supervising.

"We just can't do that," Clarke said.

A teachers union leader and some parents challenged Clarke's recent memo, which she said summarized a district position established in 1997.

The district did not immediately respond Thursday to Associated Press requests for a copy of the 1997 rule, and Clarke did not return a call for comment.

Gayle Nakayama, Tacoma teachers union president, and others recall the 1997 recess rule as allowing teachers to schedule daily breaks if they watched children themselves.

"I haven't seen evidence that getting rid of recess increases learning," Nakayama said, but there is research suggesting social, physical and emotional benefits of exercise and recess.

"I think it's absolutely important kids have free time," said Elizabeth Withrow's mother, LeEllen Withrow.

The Tacoma Education Association feels the decision on recess should be made by school staff, Nakayama said.

Tacoma's move echoes similar actions around the country, and comes as obesity takes center stage as a U.S. health concern.

Elementary students regularly move from one activity to the next within the classroom and the school, Clarke noted. And they have PE class to address obesity concerns.

"I think it's just a symptom of the obsession with testing that we have with our state and across the nation right now," said Charles Hasse, president of the Washington Education Association.

The statewide teachers union passed a resolution in 1996 calling for recess breaks every two to three hours for elementary students, Hasse said.

Unstructured play allows children to learn creativity and cooperation, and how to interact and constructively compete with others, according to the National Association for Sport & Physical Education, which has urged schools to keep recess and PE programs.

Tacoma has a shorter school day than some other districts, Clarke said. And the district is on the government's list of those that must improve under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

It's fine for children to have a brief break on a particular day because they are restless or sluggish, Clarke told the newspaper — but it's not supposed to be a daily occurrence.

What the hell?? Recess was my only key to keeping myself sane!

[valkyrie]

If they keep focusing on standardized testing and doing stupid things like eliminating recess, these kids are going to grow up to be little robots with no creativity or social skills.

[WCUgirl]

Originally posted by valkyrie
If they keep focusing on standardized testing and doing stupid things like eliminating recess, these kids are going to grow up to be little robots with no creativity or social skills.

I'm starting to think that's their goal.

[DeltaSigStan]

Originally posted by valkyrie
If they keep focusing on standardized testing and doing stupid things like eliminating recess, these kids are going to grow up to be little robots with no creativity or social skills.

Thanks Valk. That's the point I've been trying to make in San Diego for years ever since the blueprint for success fucked up the San Diego City School District.

A quote from Mr. Holland's Opus says it best:

"Well, I guess you can cut the arts as much as you want, Gene. Sooner or later, these kids aren't going to have anything to read or write about. "

Well, arts is the key issue with me, not recess, but it applies. Down here, they're making new high schools that have a trade focus, like an ITT tech for high schoolers, cuting arts programs left and right, and inserting these absurd new standards and tests.

All these people who think they're making the whole schoolwide landscape better are actually balancing it out- the smart kids are getting dumber at the expense of the ones who need to get their act together, kinda like punishing the whole for the mistakes of few.

I don't see where people don't get "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Instead of trying these radical new concepts, maybe they should focus on the family, the home, and the individual student him/herself.

Almost makes you want to send your kids to a private school....almost...

BTW, the administrators who only focus on standardized tests don't give two shits about their children's scholastic improvement. Higher test scores = more money. For Alan Bersin, amongst others, this is merely a political career move...

[aephi alum]

Standard disclaimer applies: I am not a parent or teacher.

Kids need a break in their day. Kids, especially little kids, can't sit still for that long without a break. Recess gives the kids a chance to run around a bit and use up some of that boundless energy all kids seem to have, so they can return to the classroom ready to resume learning. If you're familiar with the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, recess is a way of sharpening the saw.

Recess also gives the kids a chance to have some social interaction, which is important for the development of interpersonal skills.

I'd like to see the school district rule that this official is not permitted to take any breaks in her work day other than 20 minutes for lunch. No long lunches, no running errands on her lunch break, no smoke breaks, no stepping outside for some fresh air, no chatting by the water cooler or coffee maker. Let's see how long she lasts under those conditions.

[chideltjen]

Originally posted by aephi alum
I'd like to see the school district rule that this official is not permitted to take any breaks in her work day other than 20 minutes for lunch. No long lunches, no running errands on her lunch break, no smoke breaks, no stepping outside for some fresh air, no chatting by the water cooler or coffee maker. Let's see how long she lasts under those conditions.

Seriously! I mean it's state law for workers to have some sort of break in the day as well as a lunch. At least in Ca it is. Why wouldn't it apply to kids as well?

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by valkyrie
If they keep focusing on standardized testing and doing stupid things like eliminating recess, these kids are going to grow up to be little robots with no creativity or social skills.

Huzza, Valkyrie!

Beyond that a younger child's attention span just isn't that long. They need breaks with fresh air and sunshine as I see it.

This borders on cruel and unusual punishment.

Speaking of that, let's lock Asst. Superintendent Clark up from 8 to 3 with 30 active First Graders.

Hasn't any of the local educational braintrust noted that the one school with formal recess (Whittier mentioned in the article) has the highest Math and Writing scores and second in reading?

Aren't those the skills we find so lacking in American education?

Unbelievable.

[Rio_Kohitsuji]

*slams head on desk*

Oh, the things I get to look forward to when I graduate with my Education degree!

[kappaloo]

Those poor poor teachers. Can you imagine trying to control a class of 8 year olds who haven't had reccess? Remember how squirrely you used to get on rain days when they made you play 7-up instead going outside? It would be like that... every... single... day. *shudder*

[wrigley]

Isn't it bad enough that most states have cut out the arts, and p.e? What are these kids supposed to do? Sign up for memberships at the gym starting at age 7.

If it was good enough for her, why deny the kids the same opportunity? Bring recess back.

[33girl]

Hey Karyn Clarke! You're a massive tool!!

[tinydancer]

I was thinking it was just my school district being that stupid!!! Our new principal suddenly told the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers that their classes could not have recess because they went to P.E. every day. She claims that this has "always" been a district policy. First I ever heard of it and I have been around for a long time!

Seems that "some" upper level administrators decreed this, and while some schools adhere to it, others ignore it. Our teachers association is about to file a grievance about the no recess rule because, let's face it, IT'S STUPID!!!

By all means, let's tell 8 year old children that they aren't allowed to have fun anymore.

[IowaStatePhiPsi]

Originally posted by valkyrie
If they keep focusing on standardized testing and doing stupid things like eliminating recess, these kids are going to grow up to be little robots with no creativity or social skills.

Well- that's what No Child Left Behind was designed to do- turn everyone into mindless automatons.

ETA: remind me to buy my nephew a gym membership and apply for some after-school art classes when he's born next month.

ETA: if recess is outlawed, only outlaws will have recess.

[CatStarESP4]

Nice way to encourage childhood obesity, repressed energy and possible isolationism!

Recess does a kid good!

WARNING: Sarcasm right ahead:
Welcome to the Zombie Factory!

Seriously,

As someone who spent a year out on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation teaching PE and coaching Basketball, i certainly am gratefuly that i have so many "Monday Morning Quarterbacks" who know enough about football, teaching, team building etc. that they feel the need to share.

Again,

I dont' care how much "experience" you think you have. But after you spend 9 months teaching in a situatlino where you are the minority, THEN you can talk shit to me.

BUT, that being said, i thouroughly enjoyed my position, and i will achieve a BS in PE.

KS 361