Recent cutbacks to school physical education programs, which include physical activity instruction and intramural programs, should be of concern to parents. The rationale behind such decisions may be to increase the time dedicated to subjects considered "more serious," but the decision is perhaps a self-defeating one. In fact, physical education enhances academic performance and should receive equal priority in the timetable.

Rather than decreasing the time spent on physical education, schools should strive to increase it to 150 minutes a week or 30 minutes of activity instruction every school day. According to Sue Cousineau, the Executive Director of the national association responsible for spearheading the Quality Daily Physical Education program, "daily physical education is invaluable and has tremendous benefits to offer."

Quality Daily Physical Education should not conjure up this dreary mental picture many of us might have of physical education. Here's an indication of what your children can gain from a well-designed and well-taught program:

Physical fitness There are two types of physical fitness: health-related fitness and skill-related fitness. Quality Daily Physical Education develops both. It helps health-related fitness by improving cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, weight control, flexibility and strength. It also improves skill-related fitness, that is, speed, balance, agility, power, coordination and reaction time.

Physical abilities Your child will learn the abilities required to play games, perform gymnastics, dance and take part in a wide variety of activities.

Knowledge and understanding Your child will better understand safety during physical activity, the principles of first aid, game strategies and rules as well as the principles of movement. Healthy habits, including how to control stress, are emphasized in a Quality Daily Physical Education program. Participation in outdoor activities enhances a child's knowledge of our environment and its protection.

Social skills Besides making life easier, strong interpersonal skills are highly valued in the workforce, often above other knowledge or skills. Quality physical education on a daily basis supported by school intramural opportunities helps develop teamwork, sharing, cooperation, leadership and resourcefulness. It teaches the all-important skill of listening, the very root of a considerate attitude toward others. And what better setting for learning fair play or developing self-control?

Attitudes and appreciation Quality Daily Physical Education has the potential of developing a desire to be active and physically fit, a positive attitude that will keep the child active long into adulthood. Participating in a balanced program taught by well-prepared professionals in a safe and caring environment develops other important attitudes such as

• an interest in health and responsibility for personal care;
• a respect for rules;
• self-confidence; and
• respect for oneself and for others.

Not a bad list of benefits for a subject that is among the first to be cut from school programs!