• Physical Fitness Assessment

    State law requires school districts to annually assess the physical fitness of students enrolled in grade three or higher and to provide the results of individual student performance on the administered physical fitness assessments to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). North East ISD utilizes the FitnessGram by the Cooper Institute to meet these requirements.  Students are pre-assessed at the beginning of the year with the results used as a baseline to help students measure progress towards fitness goals. The second assessment is taken at the end of the year with results reported to TEA and shared with parents on the student’s final report card. 

     

    The FitnessGram assesses aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition in the following ways:

     

    • Aerobic capacity is assessed using the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run or PACER test; 

    • Muscular strength and endurance is measured using the curl-up to measure abdominal strength and endurance and the trunk lift to measure trunk / back strength and flexibility;

    • Flexibility is measured using the shoulder stretch; and

    • Body composition is measured using body mass index (BMI) through height and weight measurements.

     

    When measuring body composition, we take precautions to help ensure your student’s privacy and confidentiality to increase the likelihood that the process will have a positive impact.  We follow these safeguards as put forth by the CDC:

    • Ensure a private setting for measurement;

    • Ensure the staff members who measure height and weight of youth have the appropriate expertise and training;

    • Utilize accurate and reliable equipment;

    • Coordinate with other staff members to minimize disruptions to physical activity time  by developing efficient procedures for obtaining measurements; and

    • Refrain from utilizing BMI results to evaluate students on performance.

     

    If you have any questions regarding the administration of any component of these assessments, including how BMI measurements are kept confidential, please explore some of the links on this page or contact your student’s Physical Education teacher

     

    We look forward to partnering with you to support students in building healthy habits today that lead to a lifetime of health and wellness.

  • Frequently Asked Question

    What is the primary reason for fitness testing?

    • The primary reason for testing is to provide the student with personal information that may be used in planning a personal fitness program and developing motivation to take care of their health to reach their maximum potential. 

    Can a student be exempted from the FitnessGram for medical reasons? 

    • Not usually. Almost all students can be tested in some areas such as height and weight. The FitnessGram Medical Exemption document linked below must be completed by a doctor and can help determine which fitness assessments may be waived. Please contact the Physical Education & Health department for further information.

    Is fitness testing used to create competition?

    • No.  Physical fitness testing should never be used as a competitive sport nor should students be encouraged to perform beyond the benchmarks.

    Are fitness testing results used to compare students?

    • No.  The performance of one student should not be compared to that of another student.  The results should be used to help the student set their own goals for improved health and track their own progress towards those goals.

    Is the fitness assessment used for a grade?

    • No.  The performance level on fitness tests should not be used as a basis for grading.  

     

    FitnessGram Medical Exemption document