|
The Pasadena Independent School District believes in creating strong
minds and strong bodies.
As part of the district’s commitment to ensure that students are
physically fit, the FITNESSGRAM health-related physical assessment has
been implemented in grades 3-12. The testing was incorporated in the
district’s physical education curriculum several years ago. “We feel
that this assessment gives us an overall understanding of a student’s
health,” said Pam Tevis, the district’s assistant director of health,
physical education and athletics.
Senate Bill 530 requires that the FITNESSGRAM physical fitness
assessment be administered to all students in grades 3-12. FITNESSGRAM
is a health-related fitness assessment developed by The Cooper Institute
for Aerobic Research and is a research-based criterion referenced test.
“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,” Tevis said.
“When students focus on the process of doing their personal best, a more
positive lifelong impact is achieved.”
The assessment information will be used by students and parents as part
of the district’s continued coordinated school health initiative to
encourage increased health literacy for a lifetime of wellness for
students.
Each campus will determine when students will be tested. For the
elementary, middle and intermediate schools, testing will be done during
physical education class. The high schools will determine the testing
schedule for students not currently taking physical education/athletics.
Students not currently taking physical education/athletics in high
school will be given notification when they will be tested.
Prior to the testing date, students will be given the opportunity to
review all components of the test and how it will be administered. On
the student’s test day, he/she will be encouraged to wear loose fitting
clothing and tennis shoes. They will still need to be in compliance with
the dress code. Each campus will make the determination of what will be
appropriate to wear on testing day. Students can proceed with the
fitness testing in standardized dress.
Parents may request a copy of their child’s physical fitness assessment
by submitting a letter to the school principal at the end of the school
year.
“We believe that by providing parents and their child with this
health-related fitness information, it will be a guide toward a healthy
lifestyle, Tevis said. “Research has shown that 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 Tevis, at 713-740-0839 or log on to http://www.FITNESSGRAM
.net/Texas/.
|