O.C. students out of shape?

Orange County public school students again made steady progress on a state test aimed at measuring children's physical ability and health, according to new figures.

Results of the state's annual Physical Fitness Test show that 35 percent of fifth-graders, 44 percent of seventh-graders and 45 percent of ninth-graders passed all six categories of the test.

Students do several squats repetitions during circuit training

at Portola Middle School in this file photo from May. The school

began last year emphasizing lifetime fitness and nutrition to

improve student health.

 

The test, given in spring to students in those grades, measured students in aerobic capacity, body composition, abdominal strength, trunk extension strength, upper body strength and flexibility.

Local students improved scores from last year by about 1 to 2 percentage points. Statewide, 39 percent of fifth-graders, 34 percent of seventh-graders and 38 percent of ninth-graders passed all six categories of the test. Students statewide also made gradual progress from the previous year.

About 1.4 million students were tested statewide, while about 111,000 students locally took the test.

Educators and health care experts have pointed to these annual results as evidence that too many children are obese and in danger of developing Type 2 diabetes and other illnesses. But some local schools have been making progress in attacking childhood obesity.

Most students struggled when asked to run or walk a mile. Many could not do enough pull-ups or sit-ups and had a high body fat composition.

"Students are moving in the right direction toward better fitness," said state Superintendent Jack O'Connell. "But to get them to take giant leaps instead of baby steps will require additional encouragement from school administrators, teachers and parents. We all need to work together to help our students attain the level of fitness and well-being that will keep their bodies in shape and their minds sharp."