After learning from a group of concerned parents that some New Jersey schools are not scheduling a regular recess period for pupils, state Assemblyman JosephMalone (R-Ocean,Monmouth, Burlington, Mercer) said he would do what he could to address those concerns in the state Legislature.
On Jan. 8 Malone introduced bill A-467 in the Assembly. If the bill is eventually signed into law a task force to examine the issue of school recess will be created.
The bill states that “it shall be the duty of the task force to study the social and health benefits of student recess and develop recommendations on the advisability of making student recess mandatory in all school districts.”
The bill states that the task forcewill examine current data, research, programs and initiatives related to the physical, social, emotional and intellectual benefits achieved by young students as a result of participation in school recess; identify effective strategies for schools that promote lifelong health and prepare children and youth for physically active lifestyles; examine the extent to which recess is provided to students in school districts across the state of New Jersey; and develop recommendations on the advisability of mandating recess in all school districts.
The introduction of the bill is just the beginning of the legislative process.
According to the New Jersey Legislature’s Internet Web site, the bill that was introduced byMalone will go to theAssembly Education Committee for review, and eventually have to be voted on by the Assembly and Senate before heading to the governor, who may sign it or veto it.
Malone has already told the parentswho want amandated school recess period to expect a long legislative process. He noted that it took four years to pass the state’s Graduated Driver’s License law.
Malone, who is an educator, said he is “confident the information that emerges fromthis task forcewill benefit children and parents, enlighten the general public, and most of all convince legislators to look at the problem and correct the situation.”
Marie Walton of Howell, who has led a local effort to provide recess time for children, said she did not think action would be taken so quickly.
“This bill is a step in the right direction and I am confident that the Howell School District will attach recess onto their agenda for next school year.”
Walton said the Howell School District Recess Committee will meet with Susan Vonsover, assistant superintendent of pupil services, on Jan. 23.