Abstract

This study examines the overall results of the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and the six fitness areas of the PFT, academic achievement, demographics and self perceptions and the potential impact on students' performance on the PFT. While academic expectations are increasing, the adolescent obesity rate is also increasing, producing a decline in the fitness levels of adolescents. This study is a two phase non-experimental, quantitative investigation of 2009 - 2010 currently enrolled tenth grade high school students as it relates to their performance on the 2008 - 2009 California Physical Fitness Test. Phase one addresses the analysis of extant data which is gathered from 2008 - 2009 Physical Fitness Test (PFT) six fitness areas and academic achievement as measured by grade point averages from students May 2009 semester report card to determine if any correlations may exist as it pertains to overall performance on the PFT. Phase two, which is also quantitative, focuses on descriptive survey research to ascertain currently enrolled tenth grade students' demographic information to include gender, race/ethnicity, parental education level, and the National School Lunch Program to discover if there are any relationships or differences regarding the overall results of the Physical Fitness Test. Students' demographics and self perceptions regarding physical fitness are garnered through a Demographic Information Sheet and the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile in the form of a computer based survey platform. It is the intent of this researcher that an increased awareness of the adolescent obesity epidemic be brought to the forefront for educators, parents and students alike. It is critical to identify and examine existing trends in data, which will enable educators to determine ways in which students can be better prepared and subsequently be successful on the Physical Fitness Test. The literature reveals the potentially enormous effects obesity may have on youth today. According to Graber and Locke, (2007) "Physical educators stand at an historical point in time at which they can either seize the opportunity and contribute to developing the health of our nation's children through quality physical education, or let the opportunity slip through their hands" (2007, p. 422).

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Physical fitness -- Testing; Obesity in adolescence; Dissertations (EdD) -- Educational leadership, administration and policy

Date of Award

2010

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Leigh, Doug;

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