Last year, about one third of California’s fifth, seventh and ninth graders passed all six sections of the annual state physical fitness test, according to a state Department of Education report released last month.
California’s annual measurements of aerobic capacity, body composition, abdominal strength, trunk extension strength, upper body strength and flexibility showed slight improvement over the previous year. The state considers meeting minimum requirements in five of the six categories to be a passing grade.
Students’ fitness levels appear to improve with age, but not much. About 48% of fifth graders, 55% of seventh graders and 59% of ninth graders passed five of the six sections.
Overall, only about half the state’s school kids earned passing marks in physical fitness.
We asked legislators and stakeholders what state policymakers should do to increase California youngsters’ physical fitness.
We got responses from:
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