CA Students Getting Healthier

By Margaret Carrero

November 30, 2009

Fifth, seventh and ninth grade California students scored higher this year than last on the state's Physical Fitness Test - Fitnessgram.

Public Schools Chief Jack O'Connell announced the 2009 results Monday in Los Angeles.

O'Connell said, "I am pleased that our students continue to make strides toward becoming physically fit".

The 2009 test scores show that 29.1 percent of fifth graders, 34.1 percent of seventh graders, and 37.9 percent of ninth graders achieved the Healthy Fitness Zone for all six areas of the test.

Chairman of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Jake Steinfeld adds, "...our most physically active schools tend to do better academically".

Last year more than 339,000 Californians from 1,165 schools took the Challenge, which requires a pledge to be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes a day, at least three days a week for one month.

Overall, this year's results account for a near two-percent increase for all grade levels.

To view results for specific schools, school districts, and counties, click here.