GREENVILLE ISD

Fitnessgram Results Aid Students in Developing Healthy Lifestyles

Senate Bill 530 requires each school year that the FITNESSGRAM physical fitness assessment be administered to all students in grades 3-12. FITNESSGRAM is a health-related fitness assessment developed by The Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research and is a research-based criterion referenced test.

The underlying purpose for the use of FITNESSGRAM is to determine any correlation between physical fitness and academic performance.

1. FITNESSGRAM tests all students regardless of age, gender, or ability. Students are encouraged to be self-aware of health-related fitness and take responsibility by setting personal fitness goals. When students focus on the process of doing their personal best, a more positive lifelong impact is achieved.

1. FITNESSGRAM does not emphasize sports or skill-related fitness, but rather health-related fitness. The assessment measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.

1. FITNESSGRAM establishes a students’ baseline of a healthy fitness zone from which students can set goals to improve and maintain their fitness level, and to plan for lifelong physical activity.

1. Parents/guardians may request a copy of their child’s physical fitness assessment by submitting a letter to your principal at the end of the school year. Greenville ISD believes by providing you and your child with this health-related fitness information, you can lead your child toward a healthy lifestyle. A healthy student is better prepared to learn and perform in all aspects of life.

If you have any questions about FITNESSGRAM, please contact your child’s physical education teacher or refer to http://www.fitnessgram.net/texas/.

1. Why is fitness testing important to me? The FITNESSGRAM physical fitness assessment is based not on athletic ability, but on good health. No matter what your career path, you will live a happier, more productive life if you are healthy--and physical fitness is vital to overall health. FITNESSGRAM provides accurate and reliable information about your physical condition and how it can be improved.

2. Can I "fail" the Fitnessgram test? No. FITNESSGRAM is a tool to help you determine your fitness needs and guides you in planning a personalized physical activity program. The test will not affect your grades in any way.

3. Will my scores be posted or be made public? No.

4. Will my results be compared to other students? No. FITNESSGRAM uses Healthy Fitness Zones (HFZ) to determine your overall physical fitness. HFZs are not based on class averages or any other peer comparisons. The standards are set specifically for boys and girls of different ages using the best available research. If your score falls within the HFZ, it means you have achieved the recommended level of fitness for your age. If your score falls below the HFZ, you should engage in activities that will help you improve.

5. What are the Fitnessgram Test items? There are six test items:

1. Either the Mile Run, PACER (20 meter shuttle runs) or the Walk Test (measures aerobic capacity)
2. Push-ups (measures upper body muscular strength/endurance)
3. Curl-ups (measures abdominal muscular strength/endurance)
4. Either the Back Saver Sit and Reach or Shoulder Stretch (measures flexibility)
5. Trunk Lift (measures trunk extensor strength and flexibility)
6. Body Mass Index (measures body composition: appropriateness of weight relative to height)

1. Actively play or move at least 60 minutes at least five days during the week. Walk, jog, play tennis, play racquetball or participate in any activity you enjoy.
2. Do strength training activities such as sit-ups, push-ups, modified push-ups or climbing activities 2-3 days each week. Begin doing as many repetitions as possible and try to increase repetitions gradually.
3. Eat a healthy diet by including more fruits and vegetables and reducing fats and sugars.
4. Ask a physical education teacher or coach on your campus for specific tips on ways you can prepare not only for the FITNESSGRAM test, but for a lifetime of good overall health.