Fitnessgram 3rd-5th

By: wyatt

Our 3rd-5th students are tested twice a year using the Cooper Clinic - Fitnessgram.  Students must demonstrate their endurance during push-ups and curl-ups (at most 75).  Weights and measurements are also taken of each student.

Following is an excerpt from the PISD (Plano Independent School District) letter to the parents:

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Senate Bill 530 mandated that school districts annually assess the physical fitness of students enrolled in grades 3 through

12 beginning with the 2007-2008 school year. Each district across the state of Texas will use the FITNESSGRAM physical

fitness test instrument to assess each students’ health-related fitness each school year. FITNESSGRAM was developed by

The Cooper Institute and is the only assessment to use research based criterion-referenced standards. These standards

called Healthy Fitness Zones, determine students fitness levels based on what is optimal for good health. The assessment

measures three components of health-related physical fitness that have been identified as important to overall health and

function:

1.    aerobic capacity;

2.    body composition; and

3.    muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Plano ISD considers FITNESSGRAM a quality assessment for three reasons:

1. FITNESSGRAM establishes a baseline of a healthy fitness zone from which students can set goals and check their progress (non-competitive) to plan for lifelong physical activity and to maintain and improve their fitness level.

2. FITNESSGRAM provides recommended activity program options that will help students reach healthy fitness zones in those areas where they need to improve.

3. FITNESSGRAM does not place an emphasis on skill or sports-related fitness such as speed measured by an individual’s 40 yard dash time. It does not compare students to other students.

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.