FitnessGram : Vermont’s Physical Education Assessment

1. FitnessGram: Vermont’s Physical Education Assessment November 3, 2017 Susan Yesalonia, Ed.D. Health and Physical Education Specialist Proficiency-Based Learning Team

2. Objectives of this Session • Recognize the shift – Physical Education (Health & Arts) are no longer ‘specials’ • Learn about adoptions of FitnessGram as state physical education assessment • Understand initial steps for implementing FitnessGram – this plan is just forming!

3. Education Quality Standards • 2120.5 Physical Education is one of seven content areas that requires schools to engage students in annual and rigorous education. • K-8: Two times/week each year • Grade 9-12: 1.5 years of Physical Education • PBGR’s vs. Seat Time • 2120.6EQS requires SU/SD’s to utilize systemic standards-referenced curricula • SHAPE America Standards are Vermont’s Physical Education standards

4. PE Standards

5. Physical Education Standard 3 The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain an health-enhancing levels of physical activity and fitness. Fitness Test data can be used by students to • Track student’s health-related fitness over time • Inform Personal Fitness Plans, set fitness goals, and choose physical activities to improve fitness • Inform the program

6. Every Student Succeeds Act School health and physical education are identified as part of a student’s “well-rounded education”

11. Why will Vermont collecting Health-Related Fitness Data? • Equity – To assure all students have the opportunity to obtain and maintain health-related physical fitness through physical education and physical activity programs • Research shows healthy students are better learners – they have better grades, attendance, and cognitive performance. • Research shows healthy students have fewer discipline problems • Higher physical activity and fitness levels are associated with improved cognitive performance

12. 2015 Vermont YRBS

13. Vermont Adolescent Statistics Physical Activity • 25.4% of adolescents were physically active at least 60 minutes per day on all 7 days in the past week. Overweight and Obesity • 15.8% of adolescents were overweight. • 13.2% of adolescents had obesity.

14. 3-4-50

15. Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model

16. The FitnessGram Story

17. Adopted by Vermont Agency of Education - October 12, 2017

18. Secretary Rebecca Holcombe’s Message

19. What is ‘FitnessGram’? • It is a health-related youth fitness assessment that utilizes evidence-based standards to measure the level of fitness needed for good overall health. • The assessment measures five components of health-related physical fitness • Vermont will assess 4/5 components; aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility • Students should know their fitness levels and understand the relationship between fitness and health.

20. Fitness Zones • Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) • Needs Improvement • Needs Improvement-Health Risk

21. Why ‘FitnessGram’? • Items are scored using criterion-referenced standards based on the level of fitness needed for good health • Research and validation work has been conducted over many years • Students who perform regular physical activity should be able to achieve a score that places them in the Healthy Fitness Zone

22. Accountability Discussion - Ongoing • This is a collective challenge! Vermont is the first state to use fitness data collection to inform state and federal reporting considering physical education. • Go slow; get it right! The AOE is collaborating with many agencies to make critical decisions about the assessment.

23. Known: Vermont Assessment Protocols

24. DRAFT! FG Assessment Possibilities • Aerobic Capacity (VO2) • PACER • Mile Run • Mile Walk • Flexibility • Sit-n-Reach • Shoulder Stretch • Muscular Strength/Endurance • Curl-up • Push-up • Flexed Arm Hang

25. Levels of Testing • Elementary • Middle Grades • High School

26. Things that Still Need Consideration • Finalize Grade Levels of data collections • Weighting (how much each assessment receives) • HFZ and proficiency scales • Alternative Assessment options

27. Implementation Plan • AOE Financial support • Physical Education Teacher Trainings • Test Administrator Trainings • Spring 2018 Pilot

28. Communication Plan Notifications using: • School Administrator Listservs • Listserv of SU/SD PE Leads and Test Administrators • Linking Health & Learning Newsletter • AOE Weekly Field Memo • SHAPE Vermont Announcements • FitnessGram Monthly Newsletter

29. Connecting the Dots

30. AOE Questions • Physical Educators/Curriculum Directors • Susan Yesalonia (susan.yesalonia@vermont.gov) • Test Administrators • Michael Hock (michael.hock@vermont.gov) • Resource: FitnessGram/ActivityGram Reference Guide