Only One In Three LEUSD Kids At Optimal Fitness Levels; State Averages Show Same Poor Performance

The latest fitness test results for California's schoolchildren were published today, and they reveal that Lake Elsinore Unified School District kids need a lot more exercise.

On average, the 2010 California Department of Education fitness test results show only about one in three LEUSD students post healthy fitness levels across all six scoring categories: Aerobic Capacity, Body Composition, Abdominal Strength, Trunk Extensor Strength, Upper Body Strength and Flexibility.

By no means are LEUSD kids alone. Statewide, the test was administered to approximately 1.32 million students in grades five, seven and nine. 

In 2010, statewide test scores show that only 28.7 percent of fifth-graders, 34.6 percent of seventh-graders, and 38.5 percent of ninth-graders achieved scores in the "Healthy Fitness Zone" in all six areas.

By comparison, the LEUSD 2010 test scores show that only 24.1 percent of students in grade five, 45.2 percent in grade seven, and 36.3 percent in grade nine achieved “Healthy Fitness Zone” scores in all six areas.

When looking at aerobic fitness levels, which is arguably the most important indicator of physical fitness, in the LEUSD approximately 62 percent of fifth-graders, 70 percent of seventh-graders and 55 percent of ninth-graders achieved scores in the Healthy Fitness Zone.

By comparison, the 2010 state averages for aerobic fitness show that approximately 65 percent of fifth-graders, 67 percent of seventh-graders and 64 percent of ninth-graders scored in the Healthy Fitness Zone.

In a news statement today, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson expressed concern over the state's test results and announced plans for a campaign to improve the health and fitness of California's 6.2 million schoolchildren.

"Nothing is more important than the health of our children, and today's results show that many of them need a helping hand to get fit and stay in shape," Torlakson said in the statement. "The Team California for Healthy Kids campaign will help students adopt the healthy habits that will help them succeed in the classroom today – and help them stay healthy over a lifetime."

A high-school science teacher and long-time track and cross-country coach, Torlakson said the campaign would "link schools with community leaders and athletes to foster new partnerships and put a spotlight on local efforts to encourage students to get more exercise – both at school and at home."

Click here to read the full news release.

To see all the 2010 LEUSD test results, click here.