Two out of every three public school students in California are out of shape, according to the California Department of Education. This could mean there are over 6 million unfit youngsters in California.

Jack O'Connel, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, said "Too many of our students are leading sedentary lives exacerbated by poor eating habits. This is a destructive trend that has resulted in an epidemic of childhood obesity and must be reversed."

All public school 5th, 7th and 9th graders underwent a physical test, which looked at body composition, abdominal strength, aerobic capacity, trunk extension strength, flexibility and upper body strength. This test is done every spring throughout the state.

(In the USA - A 5th Grader is usually about 10 years old, 7th Grader is about 12, a 9th Grader is about 14. There are 12 grades in the USA. 1-5 Primary, 6-12 Secondary. 9-12 referred to as High School)

In the last test, how many achieved minimum fitness levels?

-- 5th Graders, 25.6% (74.4% failed)
-- 7th Graders 29.6% (70.4% failed)
-- 9th Graders 27.4% (72.6% failed)

However, the latest results show a slight improvement. Over the last three years 0.5% to 1.1% more students achieved minimum fitness levels.

2006 physical fitness results for schools, districts, counties and the state

STATE SCHOOLS CHIEF JACK O'CONNELL RELEASES SEVENTH ANNUAL PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST RESULTS
California Dept of Education

UK and US language styles

UK/Ireland - Students generally refers to over 18s (college or University). Pupils or schoolchildren generally refer to primary/secondary school children.

USA - As above. However, the term 'students' is also collectively used for primary/secondary school kids.

UK - Public Schools = Expensive private schools. When British people refer to schools provided by the state, they tend to say 'State Schools' and/or Primary Schools. Expensive private Primary Schools in the UK are referred to as 'Prep Schools'.

USA - Public School = Schools provided by the state. When referring to expensive fee-paying schools, Americans will say 'Private Schools'. In the USA a 'Prep School' usually means an expensive, private Senior High School.

I have had to come to learn these terms as I am British and have recently moved to Cancun, Mexico. My 13-year-old son is at the American School here. When he comes home he now tells me he has 'Math homework' (in the UK we say Maths).