Democracy Dies in Darkness

Recess used to be fun.

Today at 9:24 p.m. EDT

By Janelle Stecklein, Oklahoma Voice

Oklahoma Voice provides original, objective reporting examining the intersection of policy, impact, and power.

When lawmakers are more focused on childhood games than meaningful legislative questions, it raises concerns about the effectiveness of new policies. Oklahoma’s recent law mandating elementary schools to double recess time, increasing it from 20 to 40 minutes a day, exemplifies this issue.

The decision has left public schools, businesses, and families grappling with its implications. The requirement seems more like a frivolous change rather than an educational enhancement. In practice, it has posed challenges similar to children trying to navigate a chaotic playground.