BILL NUMBER: S6249

SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a period of
unstructured physical play for pupils enrolled in kindergarten and
grades one through five

 
PURPOSE:

To require recess for pupils kindergarten through fifth grade.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Adds section 813-a to the education law, requiring a regular-
ly scheduled time and minimum amount of time for recess for students in
grades kindergarten through fifth grade. Establishes that recess time
cannot be construed to be the same as scheduled time for lunch or phys-
ical education.

Section 2: Sets the effective date.
              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Research has shown that recess can provide numerous benefits for
students, including improved physical health, cognitive development,
socialization, and stress reduction. However, many schools in New York
State do not provide regular recess periods for their students, partic-
ularly in underserved communities. In some cases, students who live in
urban areas may have limited access to safe outdoor spaces or opportu-
nities for physical activity outside of school. Requiring recess can
help to ensure that all students have access to physical activity and
socialization, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

Recess provides an opportunity for students to engage in physical activ-
ity and exercise, which is crucial for their overall health and well-be-
ing. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can improve
cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases,
and improve mental health. Play and physical activity have been linked
to cognitive development, including improved attention, memory, and
problem-solving skills. Additionally, recess provides students with an
opportunity to interact with their peers, develop social skills, and
build friendships. This can be particularly important for young students
who are still learning how to navigate social relationships.

In many classrooms, teachers and school staff use recess as a bargaining
chip, threatening to take away recess from students or using it as a
punishment for bad behavior. Using recess as a bargaining chip can send
the wrong message to students and may create an environment where recess
is seen as a privilege that can be taken away or withheld for arbitrary
reasons. When teachers threaten to take away recess or use it as a
punishment, it can undermine the positive benefits of this important
time and lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration, and disengagement
among students. Additionally, taking away recess as a punishment can
create a negative association with physical activity and make students
less likely to participate in physical activity in the future. This can
have long-term consequences for students' health and well-being.

By requiring recess time be provided for students consistently and regu-
larly, New York State can ensure recess time is not used as a bargaining
chip or withheld as a punishment. Providing regular recess periods is a
simple and effective way to promote student health and well-being and to
support academic achievement. This bill would require all schools in New
York State provide at least 30 minutes of recess per school day for
students in kindergarten through 5th grade.  By requiring all schools to
provide recess, regardless of location or resources, we can help to
ensure that all students have access to these important benefits.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

Senate

2023: S6256, Referred to education

2024: S6256, Referred to education

Assembly

2023: A8007, Referred to education

2024: A8007, Referred to education

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall become a
law and shall apply to school years commencing on and after the first of
July next succeeding such effective date.