Getting Ready for Next Year’s Annual Physical Fitness Test

Background:

The annual Physical Fitness Test, PFT, takes place in schools throughout California each spring. The MVSD assesses students in the 5th and 7th grades to meet state requirements. 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.

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.