Are Academics More Important than Physical Education?

Based on the passage, readers can conclude that the author thinks reading and math skills will be more useful to students throughout their lives than knowing how to play sports. Read the following excerpt from the passage. Then click on the TWO statements that best support this conclusion.

• I believe in the value of physical education. Physical activity is important for a healthy lifestyle.

• However, when schools are forced to choose what they will teach, they must remain focused on the basic subjects.

• A student can get through life without knowing how to play baseball.

• We all must be able to read and do math in order to function in society.

Read the following sentences from the passage.

No matter what happens with the budget, schools must remain focused on the main purpose of educating students. We cannot compromise on the basics.

What is the meaning of the word "compromise" as it is used above?

• to make a decision that could change the quality of something

• to argue about something that neither side really cares about

  
  

• to build something new and better than the original

  
  

• to forget why something was once important

  
  

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Imagine that, while researching the topic of this passage, you find another passage about the same topic. Read the following excerpt from this other passage.
 

Effects of Physical Education

Physical education classes provide regular physical activity to students who may not exercise at any other time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the childhood obesity rate for adolescents has more than doubled in the last three decades. More and more children choose to play video games inside the house than play outside. Regular physical education classes encourage students to get up and move during every class. Also, physical education classes give students the opportunity to explore different types of activities that they may not be able to experience on their own. Physical education classes have positive effects for students and they should continue to be required for all.

How are the similarities and differences between Are Academics More Important than Physical Education? and Effects of Physical Education related to each author’s point of view?

• The author of Are Academics More Important than Physical Education? thinks that teaching kids about sports is a waste of time, while the author of Effects of Physical Education thinks that schools should add more physical education classes to the curriculum. 

  
  

• Both authors find value in education.

• Both authors think that the main focus of schools should be reading and math.

  
  

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In this passage, the author concludes that the school district's only choice is to get rid of physical education in all middle schools. Consider whether or not the author's conclusion is logical and select the option below that provides the BEST evidence to support your reasoning.

• The author's conclusion is logical because the passage states, "Physical activity is important for a healthy lifestyle."

• The author's conclusion is NOT logical because the passage states, “There are many opportunities for children to be involved in physical activities outside of school.”

• The author's conclusion is logical because the passage states, "According to the district budget director, ending physical education programs could save the district $1.5 million a year."

• 
  

  The author's conclusion is NOT logical because the passage states, “When schools are forced to choose what they will teach, they must remain focused on the basic subjects.”

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Imagine you are having a discussion about this passage with your friend, Tyler. Tyler said, "The decision to eliminate physical education is disappointing, but it is necessary in order to make sure students succeed in the areas of reading and math."

Which question would be the BEST question to ask to connect to Tyler's statement?

• Has the school board considered making cuts in other non-academic areas?

  
  

• How many physical education teachers are there in the school district?

  
  

• What skills are taught in physical education?

  
  

• Which subject is more important, reading or math?

  
  

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Imagine you are writing a persuasive essay in which you are encouraging students to be physically active and you are using this passage as a source. Which TWO details below would be appropriate to include in your essay?

• Physical education programs are not a necessary part of the school day at the middle school level.

• Many communities offer physical activities for children outside of the school day.

  
  

• Physical education programs are expensive.

  
  

• Students do not need to know how to play baseball to succeed in life.

  
  

• Children of all ability levels are able to sign up for sports programs in their neighborhoods.

  
  

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Imagine you are writing a narrative essay about your experience with physical education classes being cut from the curriculum. Read the following excerpt from your rough draft.

Today there was an announcement in homeroom that there will not be any physical education classes next year. I was very disappointed to hear this news. I guess I'll have to find other ways to stay physically active.

Which TWO sentences below could you add to this excerpt to provide more details?

• I like being physically active, and these classes have been a very enjoyable part of each school day.

  
  

• Science is another one of my favorite classes.

  
  

• I have learned many things about staying active and healthy from my physical education teachers.

  
  

• Will they have other classes in the gym?

  
  

• Studies show that people who play sports find their jobs more enjoyable.

  
  

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Which source would be most appropriate for locating information related to the topic of this passage?

• a website maintained by the U.S. Department of Education

  
  

• an online website created by physical education teachers

  
  

• a novel about a person who decided to become a physical education teacher

  
  

• an online search for different exercise routines

  
  

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Imagine you are writing a research report on the effects of eliminating physical education from the school curriculum and you want to use this passage as a source. Which would be the BEST way to include information from this passage so you are paraphrasing and not plagiarizing?

• Savings that come from eliminating physical education could be used to benefit other areas that need improvement, such as decreasing class size or improving academic programs.

• One district's budget director determined that ending physical education programs could save their district $1.5 million a year.

  
  

• A student can get through life without knowing how to play baseball.

  
  

• Many students are already part of athletic activities outside of school.

  
  

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Imagine that you want to write a report about the history of football safety. Read each detail and the source in which it was found. Then select the choice that would provide the BEST information about the topic of your report.

• Our goal is to keep our players safe throughout the game. -- quote from Coach Fischer in an article in the local newspaper about the town's football program

• Last year I saw more children in my office for injuries related to basketball than to football. -- quote from a well-known doctor during a television interview

  
  

• Our revolutionary helmet padding takes safety to a whole new level. -- magazine ad from a company that makes gear for football

  
  

• The safety equipment used to play football has improved greatly over the last 100 years. -- a website run by the National Football League

  
  

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