Table of Contents

Part I Introduction to FitnessGram and ActivityGram

Chapter 1. Mission, Goals, and Philosophy of the FitnessGram Program

FitnessGram

Chapter 2. Fitness Education and Assessment Guidelines

Assessment Options for Fitness Education

Effective and Appropriate Use of FitnessGram and ActivityGram Assessments in Physical Education

Recommended Approaches for Program Evaluation

The Fitness Education Process Step by Step

Physical Education Resources to Support Use of FitnessGram

Chapter 3. Promoting Physical Activity

Importance of Promoting Physical Activity in Physical Education

Physical Activity Guidelines

Concepts for School Physical Activity Promotion

The Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model

Applying the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model

Reinforcement (Recognition and Motivation)

Part II FitnessGram Assessment Model

Chapter 4. Communicating With Stakeholders

Strategies for Communicating the Fitness Education Process

Communicating With Students

Communicating With Parents

Communicating With Faculty and Staff

Communicating With Administrators

Communicating With the Community

Chapter 5. FitnessGram Test Administration

Importance of Reliable Scores

Considerations for Testing Primary Grades

Considerations for Testing Secondary Students

Considerations for Safety

Testing of Large Groups or Classes

Test Items

Considerations for Testing Student With Disabilities

Software Exemptions for Students

Chapter 6. Aerobic Capacity

Overview of the FitnessGram Aerobic Capacity Standards

Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run, PACER

One-Mile Run

Walk Test

Chapter 7. Body Composition

Overview of the FitnessGram Body Composition Standards

Body Mass Index

Portable Bioelectric Impedance Analyzers

Skinfold Measurements

Chapter 8. Muscular Strength, Endurance, and Flexibility

Abdominal Strength and Endurance

Curl-Up

Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility

Trunk Lift

Upper-Body Strength and Endurance

90° Push-Up

Modified Pull-Up

Flexed Arm Hang

Flexibility

Back-Saver Sit-and-Reach

Shoulder Stretch

Chapter 9. FitnessGram Physical Activity Questions

Description of Activity Assessment

Administration

Chapter 10. Interpreting FitnessGram Results

Derivation of Criterion-Referenced Standards

Influence of Body Size and Maturity on Fitness

Interpreting Performance on Physical Fitness Assessments

Chapter 11. Understanding and Using FitnessGram Data

Using Formative and Summative Assessments with FitnessGram

Use of FitnessGram Data with Students

Use of FitnessGram Data with Teachers

Use of FitnessGram Data with Parents

Use of FitnessGram Data with Administration

Part III ActivityGram Assessment Module

Chapter 12. ActivityGram Administration

Description of ActivityGram

ActivityGram Administration

ActivityGram Lite (Youth Activity Profile)

Chapter 13. Interpreting and Using ActivityGram Results

Providing Feedback to Children on ActivityGram

Limitations of the ActivityGram Assessment

Interpreting ActivityGram Lite (Youth Activity Profile) Results

Using Data from Physical Activity Assessments

About the Author

The Cooper Institute is dedicated to promoting lifelong health and wellness worldwide through research and education. Founded by Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, The Cooper Institute translates the latest scientific findings into proactive solutions that improve population health. Key areas of focus are research, advocacy, adult education, and youth programs. Through these initiatives, The Cooper Institute will continue to help people lead better, longer lives now and well into the future. For more information, visit CooperInstitute.org.

FitnessGram assesses youth health-related fitness and delivers personalized reports to students and parents. Developed by The Cooper Institute, FitnessGram was adopted by the Presidential Youth Fitness Program in 2012 and is used in schools nationwide. It serves as a student-centered assessment, reporting, and educational tool used in promoting health, fitness, and activity in children.