FITNESS-GRAM

Dear Parents:

Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year FITNESSGRAM will be administered to all students in grades 3-12. The FITNESSGRAM is a health-related fitness assessment developed by The Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research.

Tri-County Community Schools considers FITNESSGRAM a quality assessment for three reasons:

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. Health-related fitness assessment measures students’ aerobic capacity, muscular strength/endurance, flexibility and body composition.

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

FITNESSGRAM does not place an emphasis on skill or sports-related fitness such as speed measured by an individual’s 1 mile 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.

On your child’s test day, he/she should wear athletic shorts, a t-shirt, socks, and tennis shoes underneath an appropriate warm-up suit (jacket and pants) or underneath standardized dress. Testing in warm-ups is permitted and your child may wear the warm-up suit the entire day. If your child forgets proper testing attire, he/she will proceed with the fitness test in standardized dress.

Testing will be done twice a semester for Junior High and High School and twice a year for Elementary. Keep posted for updates on the website and/or newsletters being sent home with the students.

You may request a copy of your child’s physical fitness assessment by asking Mr. Coghlan at the end of the school year. Tri-County Community School 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 the FITNESSGRAM Assessment, please contact Aaron Coghlan, Physical Education and Health Education (319-939-1540).

Sincerely,

Aaron Coghlan K-12 Physical Education and Health Education

aaron.coghlan@tri-countyschools.com

Frequently Asked Questions About FITNESSGRAM

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:

• Either the Mile Run, PACER (20 meter shuttle runs) or the Walk Test (measures aerobic capacity)

• Push-ups (measures upper body muscular strength/endurance)

• Curl-ups (measures abdominal muscular strength/endurance)

• Either the Back Saver Sit and Reach or Shoulder Stretch (measures flexibility)

• Trunk Lift (measures trunk extensor strength and flexibility)

• Body Mass Index (measures body composition: appropriateness of weight relative to height)

6. What can I do to prepare for the fitness test?

• 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 physical activity you enjoy.

• 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.

• Eat a healthy diet by including more fruits and vegetables and reducing fats and sugars.

• 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.