FitnessGram – PYFP
Why the change?
Presidents Fitness Testing has been using standards over 25 years old. The norms provide little information on their actual health and only assesses results compared to student's peers. Fitness tests are also based largely on genetics and can be demotivating to some students who are healthy and work hard, yet cannot achieve the required scores.
The new FitnessGram (FG) assessment gives standards for ‘healthy fitness zones’ with an increased focused on HEALTH. This minimizes comparisons between peers and supports students in achieving their lifelong fitness goals.
Scores can be found here:
It empowers students, drives decision making, logs activity. Activity Gram APP measures activity pattern via 3 recall questionnaires. It motivates students to take ownership of their activity behaviors and lifelong fitness.
Keys to successful Implementation:
1. Set clear goals and objectives
a. Why measure?
b. Communicate goals to all; admin, staff, parents, students
c. Emphasize moving away from performance and focusing on health. Focusing on the PROCESS of fitness education, NOT results.
2. Use results data effectively
a. From software, can access individual reports for students & parents, data reports by age, grade, item, component
b. Export raw data and tie to academic achievement, behavioral issues, discipline etc.
3. Sustainability
a. Plans for first year of implementation
b. Data at fingertips. Revisit objectives, what worked/didn’t work? Training needed, communication
4. Training
a. Very important to administer FG test correctly
Ensuring Success
Mission
Increase physical activity and fitness for health and understand how the purpose changes from LSàMSàUS. Develop program champions by communicating the goals, purpose, outcome and success
· Free webinar series, access via PYFP site, professional development and contact for help.
Recognition
- Highlights schools that promote the program – free school recognition certificate online
- Recognize students for achievement based on the Healthy Fitness Zones Standards
Information and resources are free on the website:
Steps to Success
1. Read the Presidential Youth Fitness Program Teacher’s Guide available on the “Resources” tab of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program website (www.presidentialyouthfitnessprogram.org).
2. Familiarize yourself with the FITNESSGRAM® assessment protocol used to measure each of the five health-related components of physical fitness (aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition). Visit the “Resources” tab of the program website to review the chapters from the FITNESSGRAM® Test Administration Manual.
3. Develop or enhance your understanding of the role of fitness assessment in physical education, how fitness assessment measures the five health-related components of physical fitness, and why these measures are important for healthy living by downloading the Fitness Assessment in a Quality Physical Education Program Resource List on the “Resources” tab of the program website.
4. Go to the Professional Development section on the Presidential Youth Fitness Program website to learn about the resources available to you as a physical educator and use those resources to incorporate health-related fitness concepts into your physical education program.
• Participate in the monthly webinars (or view the recorded version) to enhance your understanding of the Presidential
Youth Fitness Program as a part of a quality physical education curriculum. You can view upcoming topics and
register for webinars on the “Professional Development” tab of the program website.
• Seek out additional professional development opportunities, like the FITNESSGRAM® online course and Physical
Best Specialist certification (see the “Professional Development” tab for information on both of these programs.
5. Share information about the Presidential Youth Fitness Program with your school administrator(s) and parents.
The letter in the introduction to the Parent Resource Guide (on the “Resources” tab) can be customized depending on your audience.
6. Communicate with parents about the FITNESSGRAM® assessment results and opportunities for physical activity outside of the school day. The Parent Resource Guide is available on the “Resources” tab of the program website.
7. Recognize your students with Presidential Youth Fitness Program awards! Guidance on the new awards and recognition
Tests include:
1. Aerobic capacity – Laps/Time on runs
2. Percentage body fat
3. BMI
4. Curl ups
5. Trunk Lift
6. Push ups
7. Modified pull ups
8. Flexed arm hang
9. Sit and Reach
1. Shoulder stretch