San Jose Mercury News – Sharon Noguchi
“California students are less fit than they were in 2014, although they’re marginally in better shape than five years ago, according to tests released by the state Department of Education. Statewide, the percentage of students who met all six of the state’s fitness goals declined half a percentage point or less. Yet, only 26.4 percent of fifth-graders, 32.5 percent of seventh-graders and 37.6 percent of ninth-graders, the only grades tested, were declared fit…The Department of Education and state schools Superintendent Tom Torlakson did not offer an explanation for the decline in state fitness scores. In a prepared release Torlakson called the results “a good reminder that all parents and role models need to encourage children to eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly.””(more)