Santa Clarita Valley students are head and shoulders above their average peer statewide in terms of fitness, according to 2015-16 statewide test results.

One of the ways California gauges classroom health is through the Physical Fitness Test, which measures six areas assessed annually considered among the most important gauges of health.

The tests look at aerobic capacity, body composition, abdominal strength, trunk extensor strength, upper body strength and flexibility. The tests develop a Fitnessgram, which creates a benchmark based on how well students do in aerobic tests, which include a 1-mile run and a walk test; abdominal strength, which is tested with curl-ups; upper body strength, which is tested with push-ups, pull-ups and arm hangs; the body mass index or skinfold measurements; trunk lift; and the back-saver “sit and reach” and a shoulder stretch. (Here’s a look at the statewide breakdown.)

In the Santa Clarita Valley, more than 78 percent (78.4) of seventh-graders are in what’s known as the “Healthy Fitness Zone,” or HFZ — a number that dips to about 68 percent for ninth-grade students.

However, that figure is still about 10 percent higher than the statewide average, which puts less than two-thirds (65.1 percent) of seventh-graders in the HFZ, and about 63.5 percent of ninth-graders. Statewide, about 63.2 percent of fifth-graders are in the HFZ from their test scores.

In local elementary school districts, Santa Clarita Valley students are achieving well beyond the state’s average, with 82 percent of fifth-graders in the Saugus Union School District performing in the HFZ. This compares to about 53.5 percent of students in the neighboring Los Angeles Unified School District, one of the nation’s largest, and about 78.1 percent in Glendale Unified; and 66.5 percent in Burbank Unified.

In the Sulphur Springs Union School District,  more than 83 percent (83.1) of fifth-graders tested in the HFZ. In Newhall, slightly more than 80 percent (80.5) tested into the HFZ. For the Castaic Union School District, around 78 percent (78.2) tested into the HFZ.

One of the few standouts for the area is the Acton Agua Dulce Unified School District, less than half of which had fifth-graders test into the HFZ (49.1 percent).

Approximately 25.9 percent of students in grade five, 32.1 percent of students in grade seven, and 36.7 percent of students in grade nine scored at the highest levels, called the HFZ. This represents levels of fitness that offer protection against diseases resulting from sedentary living, according to state education officials.

Statewide, the figures showed a dip compared to the 2014-15 test results.

“Good nutrition, proper rest, and exercise are key ingredients for success in the classroom and in life,” said state Superintendent Tom Torlakson. “This year’s Physical Fitness Test results, which are down very slightly, remind all of us as educators, parents and community leaders that we need to convey this message to our children. One of the best ways to do that is by eating healthy foods and exercising so we can serve as role models for healthy living, not only for the sake of our children, but also for the future health of our communities and our state.”

Overall, slightly more students participated in the PFT during the 2015–16 school year than the previous year, with more than 1.3 million students in grades five (459,715), seven (448,442), and nine (440,139) taking the FITNESSGRAM®, a series of six separate tests that measure aerobic capacity, body composition, abdominal strength, trunk extensor strength, upper body strength, and flexibility (Table 1).

Those levels are down slightly in all grades compared with the previous two school years.

“If we don’t change eating and exercise habits, we will continue to see a portion of our students afflicted with diabetes and heart disease,” Torlakson said. “Healthy, active, and well-nourished children are more likely to attend school and are more prepared and motivated to learn. There is a direct correlation between good nutrition, exercise, student wellness, and the ability of our students to learn well.”

This is the 17th year for the reporting of physical fitness test results in California public schools. The program was first authorized in 1976 and reestablished in 1995 by Assembly Bill 265. The following year, the State Board of Education designated FITNESSGRAM® as the required physical fitness test to be administered to students in grades five, seven, and nine.

The 2015–16 physical fitness results for schools, school districts, counties, and the state are available on the California Department of Education (CDE) Physical Fitness Test Results Web page. More information is also available on the CDE Physical Fitness Testing Web page.