Physical
Educators seem to have mixed feelings towards the FITNESSGRAM
tests required by the state of Texas. Instead of actually viewing this
requirement as an important tool to help with research, PE teachers often view
FITNESSGRAM as more of a hassle. This requirement was added in 2007 and was
actually conceived from important issues about the health status of our youth. In
one research journal, Research Quarterly
for Exercise and Sport, the authors state, “Childhood obesity was a key
element behind Texas
Senate Bill (SB) 530 in 2007 that required public schools to conduct annual
comprehensive health-related physical fitness evaluations with students in
grades 3–12.”1
Schools
need to be in full support of these tests and treat them just like any other mandatory
state test. Currently, people treat the STAAR test as the most important test
in schools. Why do teachers not have the same mindset towards FITNESSGRAM
testing, especially given that it actually deals with life threatening factors
such as obesity?
If
people knew that the requirement for FITNESSGRAM developed from the current
childhood obesity epidemic, they would better understand the importance of
FITNESSGRAM. With obesity developing at an early age, it is encouraging to know
that the state actually recognizes the problem and created a program that is
centered towards childhood fitness. However, many individuals still view these
fitness tests as a waste of time because of the lack of true participation with
some students. So it seems that the problem is not with the state requiring
FITNESSGRAM testing, but instead it’s with the state receiving accurate testing
results.
Tune
in next week as I discuss some strategies of how we can get our students to
truly give it their all when participating in FITNESSGRAM testing.
1 Morrow
Jr., J. R., Martin, S. B. & Jackson, A. W. (2010). Reliability and validity
of the FITNESSGRAM®, Research Quarterly
for Exercise and Sport, 81:sup3, S24-S30. Retrieved from
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2010.10599691
Garrett, this is an interesting perspective. You are right that the way the FITNESGRAM is perceived can truly impact how the students perform. I think the way that the test is administered as well as the attitudes of those who are administering the testing have huge impacts on the results. Unfortunately, those impacts are too often negative. This goes back to another comment posted. As physical educators, we've really got to work on how we promote and market our field. The way that we address the FITNESSGRAM is a prime example. Good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteFITNESGRAM is a great tool for physical educators to use if done correctly. In too many cases like you said, the results are not given the proper amount of attention. If these tests are to be done there has to be some type of reward/repercussion system for students results. It has been shown that higher level of physical activity leads to higher test scores. Because of this correlation, schools and the government should look more into the results of the FITNESGRAM and make sure they are doing all they can to keep physical fitness an important aspect of school.
ReplyDeleteI whole heatedly believe in what the FITNESSGRAM strives to do. However, many times I feel that there is not enough administrators to administer the test accurately. The results are too often not accurate because of students helping due to the teacher being out number, many times they partner the students up. When students partner up, who knows how accurate their results are due to the student having to help count reps or laps? With that being said, cardiovascular endurance has been shown to improve scores on standardized tests. I think we as physical educators need to develop more accurate system to monitor the physical fitness of our students.
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot of educators be negative about having to administer the FITNESSGRAM. When I was in high school athletics, once we reached the score to pass (for example the passing number of laps on the pacer test) we were encouraged to stop so we could move on with our athletic practice. Most teachers of any other subject would never encourage that kind of behavior to only achieve a passing score. I completely agree that the school system as a whole needs to take the test more seriously so that the children will take the test more seriously. Physical educators should work to get others on board to promote health and the importance of the FITNESSGRAM.
ReplyDeletePhysical education needs to be considered a core subject in public schools. The FITNESSGRAM tests need also to be considered a standardized test. If we can not live a healthy life or productivity and effectiveness is decreased. And many times our quality of life is sacrificed.
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good point in stating that the FITNESSGRAM should be viewed as important as any other test that is administered by the state. I just as Jenna mentioned above was asked to stop continuing whichever test it may have been. I feel that this is one of the most important test that goes on throughout the year because this is directly related to children's health and actually has consequences should the childs heath problems not be addressed. There should be an effort to bring more awareness and educate more people on how this test is there to help children in the early stages before their lack of physical fitness effects their lives in a negative way.
ReplyDelete