What shift occurred in education after the findings of the Kraus-Weber study?

The findings of the Kraus-Weber study, conducted in the 1950s, highlighted concerns regarding the physical fitness of American children compared to their European counterparts. The study revealed that many American children did not meet basic physical fitness standards, which prompted a significant shift in educational practices, particularly in physical education.

The correct answer emphasizes a focus on physical conditioning because the results of the study indicated a need to improve overall physical fitness among students. Educators and policymakers began to prioritize physical conditioning programs to enhance students’ strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall health. This shift led to the incorporation of structured fitness regimens into physical education curricula, and a greater emphasis was placed on activities designed to build physical competence rather than solely focusing on sports or games.

This change in focus was a response to the alarming data presented by the study, which underscored the importance of developing foundational fitness levels for children, making physical conditioning a central part of physical education.