What is FITNESSGRAM®  9?

FITNESSGRAM 9, currently in use in Delaware is a web-based version of the Fitnessgram software. This iteration of the web program is a state model serving as a data collection tool for state departments of education to gather fitness data on children. Fitness data at this level is often used in comparisons of other student variables captured by states, including academic achievement, absenteeism, federal meal programs, etc.

How do I obtain a log in for the Fitnessgram 9 web site?

Connectivity: For Internet use, you need a good, quality provider.

• School use: Most districts have T1 lines or fiber optics. These are ideal.

• Home use: Never use dial-up. DSL might be an issue depending on the provider. Home use should have a fast Internet connection.

• Screen resolution: 1024 x 768

• Adobe Acrobat Reader: FG reports are still generated in PDF format.

  • School: Acrobat Reader 7 or above
  • Home: Acrobat Reader 7 or above; if you have VISTA Home operating system, then you need Acrobat Reader 9.

Why are we using Fitnessgram 9 in Delaware?

Delaware is one of a few states gathering fitness data on students using the Fitnessgram program. Over the past few years, Human Kinetics has had a good working relationship with the Dept. of Ed. Thus, an invitation was extended to DE to serve as a pilot for the web-based FG 9 state program.

Who will be looking at the data for DE?

John Ray, at the DE Dept of Ed, is the primary state official looking at the fitness data and will make periodic reports to the state legislature. DE's research partners are the University of Delaware and Nemours Health and Prevention Services. These groups will be helping the DE DOE in analyzing the results.

Is this new program web-based?

Yes, Fitnessgram 9, currently in use in DE, is a web-based program.

Can I work at home to enter FG scores?

Yes, DE's program is hosted on the DOE servers and is accessible from any computer meeting the system requirements. Remember that you need a single sign on account as noted earlier in order to log into the program. The user name and password you used last year to access FG 9 has expired and will no longer be available for use.

Are all Delaware schools required to use the Fitnessgram 9 program?

YES! Delaware Department of Education Regulation 503 for Physical Education requires the annual testing and reporting of results for all students in grades 4, 7, 9/or 10.

What are the Delaware Department of Education Regulation 503 Physical Education Requirements?

5.0 Physical Education

5.1 Local school districts and each charter school shall provide instructional programs in physical education for each grade K to 12 with the exception of the James H. Groves High School program.

5.2 All public school students in each grade 1 to 8 shall be enrolled in a physical education program.

5.3 All public school students in grades 9 to 12 shall complete the credit in physical education necessary to graduate from high school.

5.3.1 In addition to the one credit required for high school graduation, only one additional elective credit in physical education may be used to fulfill the graduation requirements.

5.4 The physical education requirements may be waived only for students who have an excuse from a qualified physician or objections based on religious beliefs. The local school district or charter school shall have the authority to grant such waivers. The local school district or charter school shall maintain records of the waivers granted and upon request, make them available for review consistent with Federal and state confidentiality laws.

5.5 Local school districts and charter schools shall annually assess the physical fitness of each student in grades 4 and 7, and in grade 9 or 10. Beginning in the 2006-2007 school year and annually thereafter, all students in grade 4 will be assessed. Beginning in the 2007-2008 school year and annually thereafter all students in grade 7 and in grade 9 or 10 will be assessed. The physical fitness assessment tool used by the districts and charter schools shall be one designated by the Delaware Department of Education.

5.5.1 The local school districts and charter schools shall provide the results of the physical fitness assessment to the parent(s) guardian(s) or Relative Caregiver of each student. The districts and charter schools shall also report this information to the Delaware Department of Education in a format determined by the Department.

5.5.1.1 The Delaware Department of Education shall annually report the statewide grade level results of the physical fitness assessment to the public.

10 DE Reg. 985 (12/01/06)

When can Delaware teachers start using the program?

The program is up and running and all DE physical educators should start using the program as soon as fitness testing is completed. All pre-test scores should be entered no later than December 1and post test scores must be entered by June 1 of each school year.

Do I have to manually enter all my students again in Fitnessgram 9?

No. The authoritative student database being used is the Dept. of Ed. database. DOE IT staff are responsible for updating all student and class information. You will be unable to manually add students to the FG 9 program.

Does my IT staff have to import student information into the FG 9 program?

No. The authoritative student database being used is the Dept of Ed database. DOE IT staff are responsible for updating all student, teacher, and class information. You will be unable to manually add, edit, delete, or import students into the FG 9 program.

I like to create sample tests and scores. Can I do that with FG 9?

Because Fitnessgram 9 is now a state-wide data collection tool, you should never enter any sample data of any kind into the program. Remember that the data you enter is used not only by you, but administrators at the school, district, and state levels. Plus, DE's research partners are also analyzing the data.

I think the program can be improved. Who do I contact?

Please forward any comments or ideas for improvement to:

• John Ray at DE DOE: jray@doe.k12.de.us

• Kathy Read at Human Kinetics: kathyr@hkusa.com  

Who do I contact for technical support?

What if I think there is a "bug" or error in the program?

If you think you have found an error in the program, please report it to the Human Kinetics Technical Support Team: 1-800-747-4457 option 3, or email: support@hkusa.com  

The Fitnessgram 9 program is installed on DOE servers. There is nothing to install at the local school or district level. However, you will need a Single Sign On account provided by your district and an Internet connection to access the FG 9 program.

How do I enter new students in my school or district?

You don't have this capability with FG 9. The authoritative student database being used is the Dept. of Ed. database. DOE IT staff are responsible for updating all student and class information on a daily basis. The exception may be for elementary teachers only.

I'm an elementary teacher--do I have to create classes in FG 9? How do I do this?

Unlike middle and high school teachers who will have all their classes and students in those classes already in Fitnessgram 9, it may be that your classes have already been created. It all depends on how student and class information is sent to DOE. Some districts may have sent elementary class information to DOE; other districts may not have sent this information.

There are two scenarios for elementary physical education teachers:

1.    Your district does send class information along with student information. In this case, students in the school are entered into Fitnessgram 9 along with class information. In this scenario, the elementary PE teacher will only need to create the FG test event and enter scores.  

2.    Your district does not send class information along with student information. In this case, students in the school are entered into Fitnessgram 9, but not class information. In this scenario, the elementary PE teacher will need to create their classes, then assign students to those classes since the students will already be in the program. You do not create students in Fitnessgram 9.

Note: The authoritative student database being used is the Dept. of Ed. database. Teachers will not be able to manually enter a new student into the program nor move an existing student to a new class or teacher. The DOE will take care of updating the FG 9 program with new students and classes, and moving existing students to new class assignments.

I'm a middle/high school teacher. Do I have to create my classes in FG 9?

For middle and high school teachers, all their classes and students in those classes are already in Fitnessgram 9. Note: The authoritative student database being used is the Dept. of Ed. database. DOE IT staff are responsible for updating all student and class information. You will not be able to manually enter a new student into the program nor move an existing student to a new class or teacher. The DOE will take care of updating the FG 9 program with new students and classes, and moving existing students to new class assignments.

I'm an elementary teacher and I've created my classes. How do I get students into those classes?

Remember, students are already in FG 9 so you do not need to create them. However, once you have created your classes, you will need to assign your students to their PE classes via the My Classes icon. To do so, please check out the accompanying powerpoint for information or the help files within the program.

I'm a middle school teacher--how do I get students into my classes?

Your classes are already created for you and your students are also assigned to those classes. All you need to do is to create your Fitnessgram test event, enter students' test scores, and generate the student and parent FG reports via the Report Wizard.

I'm a high school teacher--how do I get students into my classes?

Your classes are already created for you and your students are also assigned to those classes. All you need to do is to create your Fitnessgram test event, enter students' test scores, and generate the student and parent FG reports via the Report Wizard.

What are the five mandated FITNESSGRAM tests for DE?

Delaware has mandated five tests:

1.    PACER

2.    Curlup

3.    Trunk Lift

4.    Pushup

5.    Back Saver Sit and Reach

Can I do other Fitnessgram tests?

Yes, you can do other Fitnessgram tests in addition to the five mandated tests; however, DOE will only look at the data for those five tests.

Am I required to test for body composition?

I'm ready to enter my students' test scores. How do I do this in FG 9?

All teachers are required to create the Fitnessgram test event and enter student scores. Creating the test event is the same as in the Fitnessgram 8 software program. Create the test event using one of two options:

1.    Via the My Classes icon. Select one of your classes, then the Add Fitnessgram link.

2.    Via the Fitnessgram icon. Select one of your classes, then the Add button.

3.    Note: follow these steps to create a FG test event for each class.

What is my deadline for entering FG test scores?

How do I generate reports in FG 9?

You will need to use the Report Wizard. This icon is located on the left-hand side of the teacher screen.

1.    Make sure you select the right scope or range for your report selection. For example, if you select "Teacher" as the scope for a report, then you will generate a report for ALL classes and ALL students. Using a web-based program means that the time to create the report increases. So, you may want to run reports by classes and not create for all classes at one time.

2.    Note: In the Report Wizard are many reports for the Fitnessgram, Activitygram, and the Activity Log modules. A sample of each report is provided so you can see what report content looks like before printing.

Do I have to send in my YEAR-END REPORTS TO DOE by the end of the school year?

No! Fitnessgram 9 is a state-wide data collection tool with the data residing in DOE. As a result, DOE has access to the FG data at all times and can generate reports whenever they are needed. Thus, you do not have to send any Fitnessgram information to the DOE at the end of the school year.

What is ACTIVITYGRAM?

Activitygram is a three-day recall by students of their activity behaviors over that time period. The reporting must include at least one school day as well as a non-school day (i.e., a weekend day or holiday). Using half-hour segments, students enter their activities into Activitygram noting the type of activity, the intensity level of the activity, and the duration of the activity.

Why does Delaware want to use Activitygram?

Gathering fitness test results is only one part of the overall solution to deal with the issues of obesity and physical inactivity in children. The Activitygram module in the FG 9 program tracks data about a child's activity behaviors such as how active was that child for that time period, what type of activities did the child engage in, how long did that child watch TV or use the computer, and how much total time in activity did that child spend. The goal, of course, is not to get kids fit, but to get them active and to appreciate the value of being active--now and as adults.

What schools can use Activitygram?

All schools encouraged to use Activitygram.

Will there be training on how to use Activitygram?

Yes. Information on training documents and webinars are forthcoming. Look for times and dates from DE DOE.

How do I use AG?

This is a two-part question:

1.    Teachers first create the Activitygram assignment, and students enter their activities. To create the assignment in the teacher program, use either the Activitygram icon on the left-hand side of the screen or via the My Classes icon.

a.    Enter the name of the AG (i.e., March 2012 Assignment, for example)
b.    Select the date for the AG
c.    Click OK.
d.    Make sure you know how AG works BEFORE having students enter their activity behaviors.
e.    It is important to provide the educational component here re: use of AG and what information the student report will provide to students.

2.    Students will need to login to FG 9 using this web address:

a.    http://Fitnessgram.doe.k12.de.us

3.    Students need a user name and password. To find this information:

a.    Go to the Report Wizard and generate a Student Information report. This report will display student user names and passwords.
b.    Once they login, a menu appears. Have the students click on ActivityGram.
c.    The student Activitygram is all menu driven. Make sure you know how Activitygram works for students so you can provide this information to them.
d.    Read the help files for step-by-step instructions, and attend the upcoming training sessions.