Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Strengthening Physical Education Act of 2007

Definitions

In this Act: (1)

State educational agency

The term State educational agency has the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (2)

Local educational agency

The term local educational agency has the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (3)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Education.

Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1)Obesity-related diseases cost the United States economy more than $100,000,000,000 every year. (2)Almost half of young people aged 12 through 21, and more than a third of high school students, do not participate in vigorous physical activity on a regular basis.

Physical education

Section 1111(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1)(C)— (A)by striking arts, and and inserting arts,; and (B)by striking science, and inserting science, and (beginning in the 2007–2008 school year) physical education,; and (2)in paragraph (3)— (A)in subparagraph (A)— (i)by striking and science and inserting science, and physical education; and (ii)by inserting before the period and no State shall be required to meet the requirements of this part relating to physical education assessments until the beginning of the 2009–2010 school year; and (B)in subparagraph (C)(v)— (i)in subclause (II)(cc), by inserting and after the semicolon; and (ii)by adding at the end the following:

(III)beginning not later than school year 2009–2010, measure the proficiency of all students in physical education and be administered not less than 1 time during— (aa)grades 3 through 5; (bb)grades 6 through 9; and (cc)grades 10 through 12;

Best practices resource

(a)

Evaluation

The Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall identify State and local physical education model programs and evaluate their effectiveness. (b)

Assessment

The Secretary of Education shall also identify safeguards and risks associated with physical education programs to ensure the safety and health of all students and, in developing evaluation criteria, shall take into account certain physical health limitations and consider measurements such as increased participation, general exercise levels, attitudes about activity and nutrition, and overall overweight prevalence. (c)

Online best practices resource

The Secretary of Education shall create a website to publish information on State and local physical education programs referred to in subsection (a).

Grant program

(a)

Authorization

(1)

In general

The Secretary may award grants on a competitive basis to State education agencies to establish and revise State standards for physical education, develop assessment tools, establish a model curriculum, and support the development of model programs. (b)

Application

(1)

In general

A State that desires to receive a grant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. (2)

Contents

Each application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include— (A)a description of the State’s physical education curriculum; (B)a description of how the State will use funds made available pursuant to a grant awarded under this Act to develop content and performance standards and improve the quality of its physical education program; and (C)a description of how the State will use funds to develop and implement physical education academic assessments and improve the performance and health of its students. (c)

Approval

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall approve an application submitted pursuant to subsection (a) if the application meets the requirements of this section and holds reasonable promise of achieving the purpose of this Act. (2)

Priority

In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to a high-need State educational agency. (3)

Equitable distribution

To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grants under this section among the regions of the United States. (4)

Duration of grants

A grant under this section may cover a period of 5 years. At the end of the 5-year period, the grant recipient may apply for an additional grant under this section. (d)

Uses of funds

(1)

Permissible uses

A State that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to— (A)develop, revise, or improve physical education curriculum to meet minimum content and performance standards established by the Secretary; (B)purchase content materials and equipment to implement physical education curriculum; (C)assist in the implementation of physical education model programs; and (D)provide for staff and teacher training and education. (e)

Matching funds

Each State that receives a grant under this section shall demonstrate a financial commitment by contributing, either directly or through private contributions, non-Federal matching funds equal to 20 percent of the amount of the grant. (f)

Technical assistance

The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to State education agencies in the grant application process. (g)

Assessment and evaluation

The Secretary shall report to Congress on the effectiveness of this program.

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, and $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2013. Such funds shall remain available until expended.