By Richard Bammer

State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson said it best, directly and clearly, when the state Department of Education on Dec. 19 released of the 2015-16 state physical fitness test scores:

“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.”

His statement — really a wake-up call for action at the highest levels of our state government, for California’s K-12 education leaders and parents — came in a press release that noted the percentage of students who met the state’s Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) standards had declined slightly compared to the previous two years. Cause for alarm? Perhaps not. Cause for concern? Yes.

Source:  State’s physical fitness test scores raise some alarm – The Reporter