"Fitness Testing" by Gerry Cernicky

The mere sound of the word "TESTING " can wreak terror in the best of teachers. What is an appropriate test? Is it one that gears the scores to the National, State, or Local standards? Next, what will it measure and how will the test results be compared - for self-improvement or to bolster the school districts image as being a model school of health and fitness. Maybe neither, but in many cases, the students just abhor when the word TEST is used during physical education class. The weak or insecure students need a vehicle for positive reinforcement; the strong and secure students need a challenge.

Over the span of 33 years, I have come to the conclusion that a conglomeration of all the fitness tests along with Internet Technology has been very successful. There are many sites to click onto that serve the purpose of fitness and integration with core subjects. In this case, it becomes a favorable public relations tool for students, parents and administration to be a part of the global community.

The age-old Competition issue may instill a mixed meaning for the participants in that many students may feel a threat in their performance and inherent insecurity. In any event, such tests as the Tele-Olympics, Virtual Track Meet and Roosevelt Relays, are important examples of how the use of the Internet can inspire the students to perform at a higher level. When they see that competing in a friendly competition is exciting, integrated and non-threatening, it gives them the necessary impetus to forget how they score but trying to keep pace with their global counterparts. The results are posted on the site's homepage and certificate awards are awarded for the top scores. But, the spirit and camaraderie of e-mail posts and integrated projects in the core subjects places the students on a common ground - Education of a sound mind and a sound body.

In a personal case, I know of a student who didn't perform well on the tests (400 meter, long jump, tennis ball throw, 50 meter, relays) who continues to correspond by e-mail with another student from New Zealand three years after the event. My student just happened to be a school board member's son. This led to a front-page article in the newspaper, grant money and INTERNET capabilities for my school. None of this would have been available through tests like PHYSICAL BEST, PRESIDENTS CHALLENGE or the old AAHPERD. In fact, when the FITNESSGRAM TEST was given and the printouts were distributed the results were met with only a mild importance. This is not to say it won't work with other schools but the problems of TIME and SPACE must be addressed. Those schools that meet once a week versus those who go 3-5 days can be at a marked disadvantage.

Another question that may arise concerns how much time is spent on assessing the students? A test that lasts the whole class period should be a cause for elimination. Recently, a new fitness site called (CASPER) mentions that students will not wait in long lines to watch a pull up being done. What are the other students doing that have been tested? This is not a developmentally appropriate practice and should also be eliminated. What type of tests should be administered? A mile run or a 400 meter? Sit and reach? Pull-ups or a modified push up? 50 meter, shuttle run or Pacer?

The answer lies with each individual school and how much time the teacher sees the students. Self -improvement seems to be a viable alternative to matching fitness norms and a positive self-image. Competing with a previous score gives the student more attempts to succeed which, in turn, makes them strive for improvement on their terms and not a piece of paper of what you have to score "TO KEEP UP". But, the students must realize that they should not settle for mediocrity but be moving to the next level to secure a LIFETIME OF FITNESS.

Gerry Cernicky