PE Plan a Stinker with Madison Teachers

Posted on Monday, September 14, 2009

A rule change being considered by the South Dakota Department of Education is not finding many fans in the Madison Central School District. Recently, Education Secretary Tom Oster proposed a new set of rules to allow for greater flexibility for students in their high school class choices.

Among the new proposals is one that would allow students to forgo physical education classes, instead using participation in high school athletics as credit towards graduation. According to State officials, the change would allow students flexibility in choosing classes that they'd like, while taking care of a required course for graduation.

One of the people opposed to the change is Madison High School physical education teacher Tom Milne. The head football coach for Madison, Milne says taking part in a high school sport and taking a physical education class are fundamentally different in terms of focus and intent.

Milne also feels the proposal is contradictory, considering how the state mandated physical education and health classes a few years ago.

Another teacher opposed to the change is Madison Elementary physical education teacher and tennis coach Doug Sims. Sims says the proposal takes away from the intent of physical education, which includes lifetime fitness and nutrition. While he hasn't heard much from other teachers, he hopes there is more debate at the state level concerning this change.

The State Board of Education will have a first reading on the proposal when it meets September 29-30, and will vote November 2nd after a public hearing.