WCS Fitness Testing
Published November 10, 2011
The following article was written by WCS Health and Wellness Specialist Ken Brooks
In an effort to improve student health, Williamson County Schools has begun using a program called Fitnessgram to test student fitness levels. It's designed for grades four and above, though some elementary schools will begin earlier as a way of introducing students to the testing process.
Fitnessgram was created by The Cooper Institute to provide an easy way for physical education teachers to report on children's fitness levels. Students are assessed in the areas of cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.
Scores are evaluated against objective criterion-based standards that indicate the level of fitness necessary for health. The standards were developed by a team of scientists and practitioners who are experts in the field of health and fitness.
In the areas of muscle strength, muscular endurance and flexibility, the standards are divided between Healthy Fitness Zone or Needs Improvement. In the areas of cardiovascular fitness and body composition, the standards are Healthy Fitness Zone, Needs Improvement - Some Risk, or Needs Improvement - High Risk.
Needs Improvement levels can be improved. For young students this can happen with maturation and growth combined with a healthy lifestyle. For other students, consistent, healthy activities can potentially reverse any potential health risk trends related to these fitness components.
Any fitness assessment designed for the mass population will have its limitations and does not mean that anyone who presently falls outside of the Healthy Fitness Zone is automatically at a health risk, nor is it intended to label any student. It is simply an assessment tool that provides guidelines which must be properly interpreted for the individual at each particular stage in life. If there are any questions or concerns, contact your child’s personal physician.
For information on the WCS Coordinated School Health initiative and more health resources please visit http://www.wcs.edu/csh/homepage.htm.