TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas students could knock out a physical education requirement by participating in junior ROTC, under a proposal before the State Board of Education.

If approved during Tuesday's board meeting in Topeka, the new rule would give students one PE credit for completing two years of junior ROTC.

Kansas students are required to earn one physical education credit to graduate. Generally, a credit takes two semesters to earn.

Material provided to the board says 20 Kansas schools offer junior ROTC. But some give no physical education credit for the program, while others offer JROTC students a half or full PE credit.

Advocates say the change would make it easier for students to fit JROTC into schedules already packed with required classes. Opponents say physical education and junior ROTC have different goals.