Iowa school lets students earn PE credits by helping elderly and disabled with yard work

A school in Iowa is making headlines for a curriculum that allows students to receive physical education credits by helping do yard work for senior citizens and people with disabilities. 

Tim Hitzler, who teaches at the Alternative Learning Center in Dubuque, told a local NBC station last week that students who choose to help can do a number of chores to earn credits in their final two weeks of school. 

{mosads}“Could be raking leaves, pulling weeds, cutting grass, cleaning gutters, just depends on what they need,” Hitzler said.

The school reportedly teaches high school students who are struggling to complete their education and are at risking of dropping out.

“The students aren’t typically too excited at the beginning but once they get involved and start doing the yard work they become more motivated,” Hitzler continued.

“What they really like is a, helping people,” he added. “They really like giving back to people and meeting the person.”