NYTimes.com | Before Children Ask, ‘What’s Recess?’

Published: December 10, 2006
By Debra Nussbaum

Blaming the demands of high-stakes testing, experts and parents lament lack of free play (esp. outdoors) – known as 'recess' -- in today's American schools. The article highlights a significant contrast between today and decades prior to the 1990s, when 'recess' play (normally two or three sessions of 20 to 30 minutes each) was a common and important feature of every school day. Nowadays, only 3 states require daily recess and 10 states recommend it.

NYTimes.com