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

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
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
EQS requires SU/SD’s to utilize systemic standards-referenced curricula
SHAPE America Standards are Vermont’s Physical Education standards
PE is not a ‘special’
K-8: Two times/week each year
Grade 9-12: 1.5 years of Physical Education
PBGR’s vs. Seat Time

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”
Under NCLB PE and Health were not identified as core academic subjects
Subjects that are part of a well-rounded education are eligible of federal education funding.
ESSA funding is available for Health and PE under Title I, II, and IV – see your SU/SD CFP officer for more details.

9. The Vermont ESSA Plan identifies Physical Education as a content area for federal reporting
Distribute Annual Snapshot Measures 1- Pager
Key Ideas
Within each category, there are several measures that will be examined
Remember that the Academic Proficiency category will also count for ESSA
We will be exploring each of these categories a bit more in this presentation.
Give people time to read and review the handout

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
Studies have shown that when students participate in physical activity, physical education and sports they achieve higher levels of academic success
Are your Physical Education and physical activities program aligned with EQS?

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
Ideas behind WSCC model –
healthy students are better learners!
Schools are one of the most efficient systems for reaching children
The CDC/ASCD WSCC model combines and builds on elements of the Coordinated School Health approach and the whole child framework

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.
The fifth component, BMI, will not be reported on because it would be unfair to hold schools accountable for a behavior change that is beyond the control of the school.

20. Fitness Zones Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) Needs Improvement
Needs Improvement-Health Risk
Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ)
If children are in the Healthy Fitness Zone® they are considered to have sufficient fitness for good health.
Needs Improvement
Indicates that if the student continues to track at this level there is the potential for future health risks.
Needs Improvement-Health Risk
Indicates that if the student continues to track at this level there is a clear potential for future health problems (a more probable 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
Fitness Component
FitnessGram Assessment
Aerobic Capacity
TBD
Muscular Strength/Endurance
Flexibility

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
What we know – Using PYFP model
Superintendents will appoint up to two PE leads per districts
Three PYFP Trainings
Follow-up Regional trainings to practice assessment protocols
Spring 2018 – pilot collection of data

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. Physical Education Standard 3
Connecting the Dots
FitnessGram
Data Collection
Physical Education Standard 3
WSCC

30. AOE Questions Physical Educators/Curriculum Directors
Susan Yesalonia
Test Administrators
Michael Hock
Resource: FitnessGram/ActivityGram Reference Guide