Kind wants students to get more active

Ran on Friday, August 31, 2007
Kind wants students to get more active

By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-Telegram staff

Back-to-school discussions are on everyone's tongues, even Washington lawmakers.

U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, has called for reforms to measure student achievement as The No Child Left Behind Act is up for reauthorization this fall.

"While it is important to hold our school accountable for progress, No Child Left Behind has created an education system that is too focused on standardized tests, and not the students themselves," Kind said.

Replacing the rigid exams with individual growth models and multiple areas of testing would be a more accurate measure of success, he said.

"Success isn't measured by reading and math scores alone," he said. "We need to give our teachers flexibility to cater to each student's needs, rather than tying their hands with a one-size-fits-all approach."

Student fitness also is important, Kind said.

The congressman recently introduced "Fit Kids Act," requiring states to have a minimum number of minutes of physical activity each week. Math, reading and science scores will still be included.

"In light of all the studies and trends, we see when kids get more physical education, they get a better education," Kind said. "It's no longer just enough to educate the mind anymore, but the body as well."

This push is one supported by National Education Association President Reg Weaver.

"There is a fundamental crisis in America," Weaver said. "And it's going unnoticed and undiscussed."

That crisis, he said, is too much focus on reading and math and not enough on art, music and physical education in the testing.

"There needs to be multiple measures," Weaver said.

Aside from more rounded testing, districts also need more mandated funding to have the resources to fulfill the requirements.