Background:

The annual Physical Fitness Test, PFT, takes place in schools throughout California each spring. The Millbrae School District assesses students in the 5^th and 7^th grades to meet state requirements. The comprehensive, health related fitness test was developed by the Cooper Institute with the primary goal of measuring physical activity. The assessment was created to assist students in establishing lifelong habits of regular physical activity. The students are tested in six areas considered to be broad indicators of fitness. Students perform tasks for each area, are given scores for their performance, and then the score sheets are sent off for tabulation by a California Department of Education, CDE, contractor. The outcomes of the tests are compiled and results are returned to school districts and families of the students that have been tested. The 5^th grade results were distributed to parents during the Taylor Back to School event. Individualized reports are also included in the student’s cumulative folder that contains scores from a variety of state tests.

Performance Standard

The Physical Fitness Test is based on criterion-referenced standards to evaluate fitness performance. Two levels of performance standards are possible for each test given. The scores are “in the Healthy Fitness Zone” or needs improvement, noted as “not in the Healthy Fitness Zone”. These standards represent a level of fitness that offers some protection against the diseases resulting from physical inactivity. It is meant to encourage students to maintain or exceed a level of strength and flexibility that contributes to functional health. The following are the six areas with descriptions of what each is and the manner in which the standards are assessed.

DEFINITIONS OF STANDARDS

Six Standards include:

Aerobic Capacity, refers to the rate that oxygen is taken in and used by the body during exercise. This is measured by the One-Mile Run.

Body Composition, measured by students height and weight

Abdominal Strength and Endurance is measured by the “Curl-Up” or completing as many curl-ups as possible at a specified pace, up to a maximum 75.

Trunk Extension Strength and Flexibility is measured by the trunk life which measures the lift distance of 12 inches from the floor. The required lift is maintained long enough to allow for the distance measurement.

Upper Body Strength and Endurance is measured by the push up, as many as possible at a specified pace or the Flexed-Arm Hang with students completing a chin up and remaining above a bar for as long as possible.

Flexibility, measured by the distance a student is able to extend their arms toward their toes or beyond. The goal is a distance of 12 inches.

Summary Analysis

Results of the 2007 PFT for 5th and 7^th graders of the Millbrae School District show students have improved over the past four years as shown in the comparative results. The current results show a consistency in student performances for the three most recent years. The seventh graders show more success in attaining the standards demonstrating physical fitness validating some strength over time in the Physical Education programs provided for the students of the Millbrae Schools. The middle school offers a daily program in Physical Education and the results are demonstrating the success of the program. The following charts illustrate the improvements in the past years. The results measure the percentage of students attaining five or six of the physical fitness standards

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The cost of administering the Physical Fitness Assessment during the 2006-2007 school year is covered by the Millbrae School District depending upon the number of students who took the test as certificated by the District’s Test Coordinator.  There is cost associated with the processing of results and the reports returned to the school district.  There are inclusive costs to the District for administering the test and processing the reports using the staff of Rhythm and Moves for the 5^th grade assessment and the Taylor Middle School staff for the 7^th grade tests. Any additional expenses cover staff time in processing the score sheets and the distribution of the test result reports.

RECOMMENDATIONS 

The recommendations remain consistent with those offered in the past as these efforts continue to result in steady growth:

1.    Carry forward our District goals of requiring school staffs to analyze the relative strengths and weaknesses of students’ performance as indicated on the California Physical Fitness test and plan appropriate curriculum adjustments. 

2.    Continue a comprehensive District program of staff and curriculum development which takes into consideration data from our testing program to provide a context for physical fitness programs. 

3.    Articulate test results and plan strategies to address the six physical fitness standards with Rhythm and Moves, the Taylor Middle School Physical Education Department, and primary elementary classroom teachers.  

4.    Continue to pursue supplemental funding sources to continue or expand the Physical Fitness program to students 1^st through 8^th grades. Following the recommendation of a district subcommittee, efforts will provide additional staff development at the earliest stage of learning for the K-3 teachers in the area of Physical Education. 

5.      Continue to evaluate outcomes, plan programs, and report results that meet the needs of parents who are looking for ways to help their children succeed. A major component of the parent information is to make the connection between healthy children and academic success.  

6.      Provide opportunities for families to review some of the latest research and practices for healthier life styles. [Parent Evening, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at Spring Valley School from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.]