Right now, buried beneath thousands of other bills, HB3770 is waiting for a public hearing. This bi-partisan bill written by Cindy Burkett (HD-101) and co-authored by Eddie Lucio III (HD-38), mandates a daily 20 minutes of unstructured and undirected activities for children in elementary school. In other words, this is a bill for a mandatory unstructured recess.

Research shows the impact of unstructured time on our children’s academic success. Evidence from studies show that recess supports better social development, positive classroom behavior, increased test scores and long-term benefits on physical and mental health. More importantly, it just gives children a much needed break during their seven hour day.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, the disparities in access to recess are rampant across Texas. Many schools utilize recess as a vehicle to supplement learning time or withhold it as punishment. Other schools simply do not have it. We cannot allow a child’s social development, physical and mental health, and opportunity for academic success to be jeopardized for the sake of behavior modification, a school district’s scheduling issue, or an administrator’s personal opinion.

This bill needs your support to pass. Please take a moment to raise your voice in support of unstructured recess in Texas elementary schools. You can take action today by sending a letter in support of the bill to your state representative.

Our children need you.