Texas Education Agency
Letter to Administrators
The attached is a paraphrased version of the memo distributed by the TEA to district administrators.
To: The Administrator Addressed
From: The Texas Education Agency, Division of Health, Safety & School Readiness
Date: October 19, 2007
Re: Fitness Assessment, SB 530
During the 80th Legislative Session, Senate Bill 530 was passed to require fitness assessment for all students in grades 3-12 starting in the 2007-2008 school year. After thorough review and a request-for-offer process, the Texas Education Agency has identified FITNESSGRAM as the assessment tool that will be used by all districts throughout the state.
To order the FITNESSGRAM test administration kit, which includes the test manual, PACER CD, DVD showing test protocols, skinfold caliper, 3" and 4-1/2" rubber curl-up strips, pedometer, samples of the FITNESSGRAM and ACTIVITYGRAM reports, and the Healthy Fitness Zone clipboard and wall chart, the agency recommends that these steps be followed:
- Identify a person of contact who is able to describe any existing infrastructure and resources available within the district to support this project, such as the Technology/Test Administrator. Information about which version of the software will best meet your district's technology needs can be found here: http://www.fitnessgram.net/texas/support/.
- Request that this individual(s) visit a special Web site established to process your orders at http://www.fitnessgram.net/texasform/. [The code for accessing this form is provided in the original version of this letter as distributed by the TEA.] The Web site will indicate the information needed to process your order. The district will be mailed the necessary software tool and administration kits at no cost to the district.
For training purposes, the Texas Education Agency also recommends that districts do the following:
- Identify a person of contact who is able to represent the district as a Trainer of Trainers. This individual should have a background in physical education and have the ability to train district personnel on the implementation of FITNESSGRAM assessment protocols for students.
- Send this individual to a free training at either the Regional Education Service Center or nearby location when it becomes available in November or December of 2007.
Please identify these individuals by November 2, 2007 and send their names and contact info, including both email addresses and phone numbers to Marissa Rathbone, Director of School Health.
The Texas Education Agency recognizes that this project will be both challenging and fulfilling for administrators, teachers, parents and students. We hope to provide school districts and personnel with support, resources and guidance as this requirement is implemented. If you have additional questions, please contact Marissa Rathbone or Jeff Kloster. You may also access additional information on FITNESSGRAM at www.Fitnessgram.net/Texas.
We look forward to working with you to improve the health and wellbeing of our schoolchildren.
Sincerely,
Jeff Kloster
Associate Commissioner
Health, Safety & School Readiness