0605PEBy DAN HAWTHORNE
Sports Editor

Physical education in schools has seen a decline in recent years, not just in the nation but here in Mississippi. More states require physical education during the school year, however many don’t follow the guidelines created to try and keep their students healthy.
A new report released this week by the American Heart Association and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education says that more kids are getting a free pass away from exercise.
Numbers from the Shape of the Nation Report show a 17 percent increase in states requiring physical education and 26 percent in student assessment, however officials say no progress has been made to mandate PE for all grades.