The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
April 29, 2009
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue (R) has approved a measure that will require students in Georgia schools to undergo annual fitness assessments, the Macon Telegraph reports. Under the Student Health and Physical Education Act, students enrolled in physical education classes will be required to participate in an annual fitness assessment, and the results will be shared with their parents. The bill also requires, beginning in 2012, the State Board of Education to submit a report to the governor detailing efforts by each school and school system to comply with the new law. Proponents of the measure suggest that it will emphasize the importance of educating students about making healthy choices, with the American Heart Association noting that it will help the state’s education officials “make informed policy curricula decision when it comes to our children’s physical well-being.”