Illinois requires high school students take four years of gym class. A proposal from a pair of Republican legislators would allow local school boards to excuse students from physical education if they are taking two or more Advanced Placement, or AP, classes.
Senator Pamela Althoff says she's talked with parents who are concerned about getting their children into competitive colleges.
"This bill would actually allow them to focus in on their studies so that they had that opportunity to go on to a school that they felt was a quality education."
Illinois is one of a small number of states that requires four years of high school gym. According to the 20-12 Shape of the Nation report, more than half of all states allow students to substitute gym class for other activities.
Opponents to the proposal say gym class increases the health and academic performance of students, and helps combat high obesity rates.