Kern County kids have made slight gains in state fitness scores, but it's not enough to close the gap between county and state averages. FitnessGram is a state mandated test given to fifth, seventh and ninth graders. Last school year the state as a whole saw higher scores from all grades. In Kern County seventh and ninth graders raised their scores, while fifth grade scores fell slightly.
FitnessGram tests students for cardiovascular health, body composition, flexibility and strength. "I would say body composition would be a main main focus of the fitness testing," said Sean Kenny, the wellness coordinator for Mercy and Memorial Hospitals. Body composition measures how much muscle and fat a person has. And locally, 38% of 5th graders, 37% of 7th graders and 32% of 9th graders, didn't meet the state standards for what is considered healthy; compared to about 31% across the thre grades statewide.
Teachers say one hurdle to teaching physical education is time. In elementary school, they must fit in 200 minutes of activity every 10 days. "It is difficult as a teacher to find the time to do it," said Horizon Elementary School teacher Erin Chairez. "You're trained in your teacher preparation courses to teach p.e. Also we have a p.e. curriculum at Horizon and the teachers receive training and a binder of different p.e. activities they can use in their classroom," said Horizon principal Brenda Cassell. But fitness experts don't think that's enough. "They almost need somebody specifically dedicated to the fitness component," said Kenny.
At Frontier High School, ninth grade students scored the highest in the county. "When we opened, the Principal, Dr. Bruce, and I sat down and had a discussion about where we wanted to take p.e. and he made it very clear that he wanted a fitness bases program," said Steve Bentley, the P.E. Department Chair at Frontier High School. Frontier's focus is on healthy habits, rather than skills like dribbling a basketball. "The number one thing that will change kids' lifestyles is starting what we're doing in the elementary age," said Bentley.
School officials say fitness habits must continue once kids leave campus, so it's up to parents to make sure their kids are active and eat healthy.
