It now seems likely that the 'Race To The Top' grants for $4 Billion to states across the country is in fact the blue print for the next version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that is due to be renewed in the next year. A close adviser of Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, confirmed that the future of our education system will rest on the core foundations of the Race to the Top program:

1. turning around low-performing schools,
   
2. improving teacher quality and distribution,
   
3. bolstering state data systems,
   
4. improving the use of data and assessments,
5. Expanding Charter School programs

Glaringly missing from the core of the future of education is the role of arts in the development of the whole child. In particular, nothing has been mentioned about nutrition and physical activity in the formal mouthpieces of education publications.

It has been reported that Mrs. Duncan is a certified PE teacher but even the largest organization promoting physical education and sport has failed to solicit a positive response from her to promote healthy lifestyles. It might be that the Secretary wants to fix the 'big issues' first before being bothered by the mundane such as a healthy body harbors a strong mind.

But if one wants to follow the money, it might behoove our leaders to pay more attention to an article posted in the Atlanta Constitution by Bryan McCullick: http://www.ajc.com/opinion/obesity-wont-improve-without-235301.html It might behoove all of us to not only read the article but pass it on to others.

It is clear that a new generation of students exposed to quality physical education can diminish the escalating costs associated with health care - irrespective any health care reform.
Michael Cordier