Dear Reader,
I'm Jackie Mader, a senior reporter at The Hechinger Report, covering early childhood education. I've been with The Hechinger Report for more than a decade, and I wanted to take a moment to explain why member gifts make a difference.
Last year, my story "Is recess a right or a privilege?" helped expose how common it is for elementary school students to lose out on recess as a form of punishment, despite research showing that physical activity and play are vital for children's development. Through interviews with parents and students, we highlighted the stories of young students who have lost recess time, even in states where the practice is discouraged or explicitly prohibited.
We found up to 86 percent of teachers have denied or decreased recess time as a punishment for behavior, forcing young children to stay inside, walk laps, or sit and watch their friends play - in some cases, simply for failing to finish their schoolwork.
The good news? Our article has already made a significant impact on this issue.
Our report was cited by a California state senator who proposed a law to require daily recess for K-8 students and repeal the state code that allowed for it to be withheld for disciplinary reasons. The bill passed the California State Senate and is working its way through the Assembly.
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Your support allows us to create meaningful journalism that has a direct impact on the lives of students.
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Thank you,
Jackie Mader
Early Childhood Reporter, The Hechinger Report
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