This is an Accessible Alternate Version (AAV) of the Program Overview (PPT; 1.9MB; 16pp.). This document provides text translation to the Overview, which is posted a PowerPoint Presentation (PPT).
California Education Code Section 60800 requires:
Annual administration of the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to all students statewide in grades five, seven, and nine.
School districts to administer the PFT between February 1 and May 31.
The FITNESSGRAM®:
Was designated by the State Board of Education as the PFT.
Was developed by The Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas.
Has as its primary goal that students establish lifetime habits of regular physical activity.
The FITNESSGRAM® assesses three fitness components:
Aerobic capacity
Body composition
Muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility
The fitness component of muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility is divided into four fitness areas:
Abdominal strength and endurance
Trunk extensor strength and flexibility
Upper body strength and endurance
Flexibility
The test options for the fitness areas are:
Aerobic capacity
PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run)
One-Mile Run
Walk Test (only for ages thirteen or older)
Body composition
Skinfold Measurements (estimates percent of fat)
Body Mass Index (compares weight and height)
Bioelectric Impedance Analyzer (estimates percent of fat)
The test options for the fitness areas are (cont’d):
Abdominal strength and endurance
Curl-Up
Trunk extensor strength and flexibility
Trunk Lift
Upper body strength and endurance
Push-Up
Flexed-Arm Hang
Modified Pull-Up
The test options for the fitness areas are (cont’d):
Flexibility
Back-Saver Sit and Reach
Shoulder Stretch
Note: Descriptions of each test option are available in the “2007-08 Physical Fitness Test Reference Guide” found on the PFT Overview Packet Web page.
Performance in each of the fitness areas is classified into two levels:
Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ)
Needs Improvement (i.e., not in the HFZ)
The Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ):
Is the desired performance goal for each fitness area.
Represents a level of fitness that offers a degree of protection against diseases that result from physical inactivity.
Individual and summary results are reported for each fitness area.
Reports of summary results are provided to the Governor and the Legislature and are made available on the Physical Fitness Testing Web page.
Summary results are reported:
By percentage of students in the HFZ and percentage not in the HFZ (i.e., needs improvement) for each of the six fitness areas.
By percentage of students meeting the HFZ by the number of fitness areas (0 of 6 to 6 of 6 fitness areas).
By grade for total population, gender, and ethnicity
at state, county, school district, and school levels.
The PFT provides information that can be used:
By students to assess levels of health-related fitness and to plan personal fitness programs.
By teachers to design curriculum for physical education classes.
By parents and guardians to understand their students’ fitness levels.
By teachers and parents and guardians to monitor changes in the students’ fitness levels.
