April 01, 2004

By: Holly Moran
Website: http://www.1st-in-fitness.com

Physical fitness results for PVUSD indicate students are pretty fit

The results of last spring’s physical fitness testing of students in grades five, seven, and nine have been publicized by the California Department of Education. In order to be considered fit, students must meet the minimum fitness standards for all six areas of the State’s physical fitness test.

Senate Bill 896, approved in 1998, requires the California Department of Education to report results of the State physical fitness test to the Governor and Legislature at least once every two years.

The physical fitness test in 2001 assessed six major fitness areas including aerobic capacity (cardiovascular endurance), body composition (percent of body fat), abdominal strength and endurance, trunk strength and flexibility, upper body strength and endurance, and overall flexibility.

A number of testing options were provided so that all students, including those with special needs, had the opportunity to participate. Students were evaluated using standards appropriate for their age and gender.

Pajaro Valley Unified School District students that achieved 6 of 6 standards are doing very well when compared to state results. The percentage of fifth graders is 24 percent, compared to 21 percent in the state, 25 percent in the seventh grade which is similar to the state’s 24.9 percent, and district ninth graders considered fit is 28.4 compared to 22.6 percent in the state.

In comparing the cumulative results in achieving 4 of 6 fitness standards, PVUSD students excelled in the seventh grade, 74.2 percent for district students compared to 71.5 percent for students statewide, and in the ninth grade 77.5 percent compared to 69.2 percent. Fifth grade cumulative results were 67.3 percent for district students compared to 68.7 percent at the state level.

Author Notes:

Holly Moran contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-fitness.com.  A source of information and helpful tips on various types of fitness equipment.