I sort of ride the fence. I LOVED PE in schools.

The way all the news stations talk about how America is an obese nation.... in that respect, I think it should be required. Kids need to learn to be active and not sit on their duffs eating crap and playing video games.

However... I have seen some PE teachers who are just mean and don't give kids the benefit of the doubt... some try and just can't do certain things well like others can.. (climbing robes, ect.) In that case... maybe it shouldn't be required. Not all kids are overweight from junk food.

I loved our PE teacher. I couldn't do a pull up to save my life, but I could hold myself up above the bar for a long time and she would allow us to do that instead.