In the spring time, our 5th grade students will participate in the California Physical Fitness Test (PFT). This test is a required annual PFT for students in grades five, seven, and nine in California public schools.
The California Physical Fitness Test measures six areas of fitness:
There are two or three test options for a couple of the fitness areas of the test so that all students, including those with special needs, have the chance to participate in the PFT. For those fitness areas that have multiple options, only one option is reported for each student. We test in several sessions, giving students a chance to do each part of the test several times.
Body composition is done through height and weight measures. I understand this can be a sensitive area for students. I want the students to feel comfortable during this part of the test. Height and weight measurement will be done at school. I will be the only one who knows the information. If you would like your student to do this part at home instead, you may email me the information when we start testing.
To help you understand the fitness test a little bit better I have included links to videos the state of California has developed.
Fitness test videos:
If you are looking for even more additional information here are some documents the State of California has developed to inform teachers and parents: