Fitnessgram

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FITNESSGRAM/ACTIVITYGRAM is an educational assessment, data management, and reporting software program. The software contains two major components, a comprehensive physical fitness assessment and reporting program (FITNESSGRAM), and a detailed 3 day physical activity assessment program (ACTIVITYGRAM). FITNESSGRAM/ACTIVITYGRAM also provides Activity Log, a physical activity logging tool that allows youth to track physical activity levels by minutes or step counts.

The FITNESSGRAM/ACTIVITYGRAM program was developed by The Cooper Institute and a Scientific Advisory Board in response to the need for a comprehensive assessment protocol.^[1] The Scientific Advisory board includes notable scientists and practitioners, such as Charles B. Corbin, PhD, Stephen N. Blair, PED, and James R. Morrow, Jr. PhD.^[2]

FITNESSGRAM measures three components of health-related physical fitness that have been identified as important to overall health and function:
• aerobic capacity;
• body composition; and
• muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility.

K-12 students are tested and their scores in these three areas are compared to the Healthy Fitness Zone^TM, which are criterion referenced standards, this providing a snapshot of that child's level of health related fitness. The scores are evaluated as "needs improvement", in the Healthy Fitness Zone, or above the Healthy Fitness Zone. The FITNESSGRAM software also generates a parent and student report, which provides ideas for parents and students on health and activity related things they can do to improve scores.

[edit] FITNESSGRAM in Texas

In May 2007, the Texas State Legislature passed SB 530a bill requiring daily physical activity, and the adoption of an assessment instrument for evaluating student's overall health and function.^[3]. Subsequently, the Texas Education Agency (http://www.tea.state.tx.us) selected FITNESSGRAM/ACTIVITYGRAM as the statewide physical fitness assessment tool.^[4] Public schools in Texas are now required to use the software to assess the physical fitness of all students in grades 3 through 12.