Training Information for State and District Trainers

For November and December, the FITNESSGRAM training in Texas is currently focused on the proper administration of the test protocols. Listed on this page are recommended documents trainers and participants can print and use within their trainings at the ESC's or within their district. 
 
  1. FITNESSGRAM Training Agenda (PDF) -- This is a suggested agenda to conduct your training and for participants to follow.
  2. FITNESSGRAM Safety Considerations (PDF) -- This document suggests safety considerations for teachers to follow when conducting their tests for students. 
  3. Validity and Reliability (PDF) -- Have questions about the validity and reliability of the FITNESSGRAM test items?  This document gives a brief overview of the science behind the FITNESSGRAM assessment.
  4. Resolution for Quality Physical Education and Physical Activity (PDF) -- This is a TEA document for you to reference as you conduct trainings.
  5. FITNESSGRAM/ACTIVITYGRAM Overview (PowerPoint) -- An excellent introduction to FITNESSGRAM.
  6. Norms vs Criterion-Referenced Standards (PDF) -- What are the differences between normative-based fitness assessment tests and the criterion-referenced standards used in FITNESSGRAM?  This document explains those differences.
  7. FAQ for teachers and parents -- This is an excellent document created by the FITNESSGRAM scientific advisory board to help teachers and parents with common questions about the program. 
  8. Examples of FITNESSGRAM student and parent reports -- These two reports show how you can interpret the information in the reports once data is entered into the software.

Trainers, here are your ideal equipment needs for a successful training experience:

  1. TV with DVD player:  Use the DVD bound into the FITNESSGRAM manual, 4th edition, to demonstrate to participants how each test item should be administered to students. 
  2. FITNESSGRAM Test Administration Manual, 4th edition.  Ideally your participants should have and bring their own manuals to the training so they can read the test protocol instructions in the manual as well as be aware of all the information within it and available to them regarding the test protocols and software.
  3. CD player:  The CD player is for the participants to listen to the PACER track and the pushup and curlup cadences.
  4. Mats:  Mats are used for the curlup, pushup, and trunk lift test items.
  5. Rulers/yardsticks:  12-inch rulers or yardsticks.  The rulers are used in the trunk lift test; the yardsticks can be used to construct Sit and Reach boxes. 
  6. Sit and Reach boxes:  These pieces of equipment are expensive to purchase.  Instead, we recommend that teachers continue to be resourceful when conducting fitness testing.  S & R boxes can be easily constructed from milk crates and cardboard boxes with yardsticks taped to the top as noted in the FITNESSGRAM manual.
  7. Cones:  These are used in the demonstration of the PACER test to create lanes for student participation.  Please see the manual for details on suggested spacing.