SJ0080enr 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

09600SJ0080 Enrolled LRB096 15335 MJR 30615 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 80

WHEREAS, Studies have shown that children provided with recess are more focused, on-task, and able to concentrate on educational material than those who are not afforded a recess period; cognitive function improves when a child has the opportunity for physical exercise and active play; and

WHEREAS, Obesity rates among children have skyrocketed in recent years, with one in three American children now being considered overweight or obese; recess provides children with the opportunity for physical exercise during the school day; and

WHEREAS, Recess is essential for providing students with a less structured period of time in which to engage in social interactions and develop interpersonal relationships with peers; it is often during this time that children improve their leadership and conflict resolution skills; and

WHEREAS, A large number of students go every school day with no opportunity for a recess period; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that there is created a Recess in Schools Task Force within the State Board of Education; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the State Board of Education shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall be charged with examining the barriers facing schools in providing daily recess to every age-appropriate student and making recommendations for overcoming those obstacles; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall be comprised of the following 15 members:

(1) two members appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be a medical professional with expertise in children's health issues;

(2) one member appointed by the President of the Senate;

(3) one member appointed by the Senate Minority Leader;

(4) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(5) one member appointed by the House Minority Leader;

(6) one member appointed by the Chicago Board of Education;

(7) one member appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the education labor organization representing Chicago public school teachers;

(8) one member appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of a Statewide education labor organization;

(9) one member appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of another Statewide education labor organization;

(10) one member appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of an organization representing principals;

(11) one member appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of a Chicago-based coalition of low-income mothers and grandmothers focusing on family issues;

(12) one member appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of a parent-teacher organization;

(13) one member appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of an organization advocating for juvenile justice reform;

(14) one member appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of an organization that advocates for healthy school environments; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force must meet within 60 days after the adoption of this resolution and submit a final report to the General Assembly by January 1, 2011 with its recommendations for bringing recess back to the maximum number of students.