Frequently Asked Questions
About FITNESSGRAM in Texas

In this section we explain the process for ordering FITNESSGRAM software through Human Kinetics, and provide basic information about training opportunities to help you implement FITNESSGRAM in your school district.

Sending FITNESSGRAM results to TEA: Deadline June 6, 2008

Information on the complete submission process for sending FITNESSGRAM test results from your campus and district to TEA. Fitness test results can only be submitted through a specific export process--the Research Export--from the FITNESSGRAM software. This export de-identifies student names and IDs (per SB 530) from the fitness results.

The TEA web site for the Physical Fitness Assessment Initiative (i.e., FITNESSGRAM project) is the following:

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/health/PFAI.html. All information pertinent to the submission process is in the training document titled: PFAI Training Presentation. The link to this document is located in the first paragraph on this web page.

 

Your district superintendent has already received information from TEA on how to begin this submission process. (Please see the letter to administrators posted 3/31/08: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/taa/commish040208.htm.) Each district will need to designate a person to be the 'district submitter.' This person will need to apply for a TEA_SE login from TEA. This login, Texas Education Agency _ Secure Environment, permits access to TEA secured web sites. Note that approval for this login can take from 1-10 days so please contact your superintendent to make sure a 'district submitter' has been determined for your district. Have your district apply for their TEA_SE login now.

TETN training dates have been established to go over the steps involved in the submission of FITNESSGRAM results to TEA. Each district will need to go through their ESC for access.

  • May 2: 9 am - 12 pm
  • May 5: 1 - 4 pm
  • May 22: 1 - 4 pm

Here are the steps to submit your FITNESGRAM results to TEA (http://www.tea.state.tx.us/health/PFAI.html -- click on PFAI Training Presentation):

1. District assigns data submitter(s)

2. Submitter must request secure logon with PFAI access

3. Complete assessments and enter ALL data into FITNESSGRAM software

NOTE: Make sure ALL student information such as date of birth, grade, and gender has been included in the software. If not, your FITNESSGRAM test records will be rejected when submitted to TEA.

4. Do the research export from the FITNESSGRAM software

5. Upload your research export file to TEA using the PFAI application

Target date for submission of FITNESSGRAM files to TEA: May 23, 2008

Deadline for submission of FITNESSGRAM files to TEA: close of business June 6, 2008

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About FITNESSGRAM and the Order Process
What is Senate Bill 530?

What is FITNESSGRAM?
How do I get FITNESSGRAM so I can get started?
Why fill out a form? Isn't there only one version of the FITNESSGRAM software?
If I already have FITNESSGRAM 8, do I have to fill out the online form or contact Human Kinetics?
What if I have FITNESSGRAM 6.0? Can I get an upgrade to the FITNESSGRAM 8 program?
How much do I have to pay for the FITNESSGRAM software?
When will I receive my FITNESSGRAM kit after I place an order?
Is there anything else I need to know concerning my FITNESSGRAM software order?
What if I have trouble installing my software?
There are also other FITNESSGRAM products on your Web site. Are those free to Texas schools as well?
What is in the FITNESSGRAM kit?
Can I collect FITNESSGRAM data using a Palm operating system?
I've read that The Cooper Institute will not make any money with schools receiving the FITNESSGRAM software. Is that true?

FITNESSGRAM Training
I have never used FITNESSGRAM before and I need training. What are my training options?
Where can I get information on training for the FITNESSGRAM test protocols?
What if I can't make the training session at my regional center?
What else do I need in order to administer the FITNESSGRAM tests?
What can I do to learn how the software works?

The FITNESSGRAM Testing Process
Submitting FITNESSGRAM Results as Specified by SB 530
Testing students with special needs/disabilities
FITNESSGRAM software training
Testing large groups of students and students not in PE classes
Sending FITNESSGRAM results to TEA

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About FITNESSGRAM and the Order Process

What is Senate Bill 530?

During the 80th Legislative Session, Senate Bill 530 was passed, which requires fitness assessment for all students in grades 3 to 12 starting in the 2007-2008 school year. After a thorough review and a request for offer process, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) identified FITNESSGRAM as the assessment tool to be used by all districts throughout the state.

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What is FITNESSGRAM?

FITNESSGRAM is a health-related fitness assessment tool for grades K-12.  It uses criterion-referenced standards called the Healthy Fitness Zones which are based on age and gender and represent the basic levels for good health and fitness in children ages 5 - 17+ years.  For information about the differences between criterion-referenced standards and normative-based standards, please read this document.  Both teachers and parents should check out this FAQ geared specifically towards common questions about the program, including questions concerning body composition. 

How do I get FITNESSGRAM so I can get started?

On the TEA Web site, a letter was posted to all district superintendents; the letter contains instructions on starting the process of acquiring the FITNESSGRAM program for your district. Superintendents are being asked to name a central point person to decide on which version of the FITNESSGRAM software is to be used in the district. That person is then instructed to go to the FITNESSGRAM Web site to complete an online form describing the technical needs of your district. A staff person from Human Kinetics will then process the order. View the TEA letter.

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Why fill out a form? Isn't there only one version of the FITNESSGRAM software?

There are three versions of the software for the current FITNESSGRAM 8 software. (Each is described in detail at www.Fitnessgram.net/Texas.) Since each version has its own system requirements, it is important to know the technical needs of each version and the optimal setup for your school system before placing an order. We hope this streamlines the order process so that districts get the software that best matches their needs.

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If I already have FITNESSGRAM 8, do I have to fill out the online form or contact Human Kinetics?

No. If your school or district is already using the FITNESSGRAM 8 software, then you do not have to contact Human Kinetics to obtain the program.

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What if I have FITNESSGRAM 6.0? Can I get an upgrade to the FITNESSGRAM 8 program?

Yes. Please fill out the online form as instructed and let us know that you currently have the previous software program. The process for determining the appropriate version of FITNESSGRAM 8 software is the same.

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How much do I have to pay for the FITNESSGRAM software?

K-12 school districts and open enrollment charter schools who do not already have FITNESSGRAM 8 software will need to purchase the software kits, but they will not be charged for this purchase. Each version (FITNESSGRAM kit) will cost $230 and will be shipped to the school or district. But the billing for the software and shipping costs will be to a third party.

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When will I receive my FITNESSGRAM kit after I place an order?

You can expect to receive your kit approximately 10 business days after placing an order.

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Is there anything else I need to know concerning my FITNESSGRAM software order?

In your kit will be step-by-step instructions on using your invoice number to register your FITNESSGRAM software within the FITNESSGRAM Web site. This is an automated process done online in which you register the program to create a license file containing your district name and school names for the program. Your school and district names are displayed on most reports. More important, this license file is used during the installation process for the software.

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What if I have trouble installing my software?

When you register your program, you will automatically receive an e-mail with your license file along with instructions to access the README file on the CD for installation procedures. That e-mail will also contain the system administrator login so you can log into the program. Districts ordering the network versions will have their IT staff take care of installing the software. If you do encounter problems during the installation process, you can e-mail Human Kinetics technical support: support@hkusa.com

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There are also other FITNESSGRAM products on your Web site. Are those free to Texas schools as well?

No. Only the FITNESSGRAM software kits are free with billing to a third party. If you choose to purchase additional FITNESSGRAM manuals or other FITNESSGRAM ancillary products, then you will be charged for the products as well as shipping of those items.

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What is in the FITNESSGRAM kit?

The FITNESSGRAM kit includes the following: 

 

Note: You will receive two packages--the kit and a cardboard tube containing the wall chart.

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Can I collect FITNESSGRAM data using a Palm operating system?

The PDA component in FITNESSGRAM 8 software uses PocketPC as the operating system--2002, 2003, or Mobile 5.  The PDA component is included with all FITNESSGRAM software; the PocketPC operating system is the responsibility of the customer.

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I've read that The Cooper Institute will not make any money with schools receiving the FITNESSGRAM software. Is that true?

Yes. The Cooper Institute will forgo its royalty for each FITNESSGRAM kit and FITNESSGRAM manual sold in Texas during the contract year.

FITNESSGRAM Training

I have never used FITNESSGRAM before and I need training. What are my training options?

Training is provided in two aspects of the program: administering the test protocols and using the software. There are face-to-face training opportunities as well as "instant" training options. Those are described in the answers to the following four questions.

Where can I get information on training for the FITNESSGRAM test protocols?

Training opportunities are being set up by the Texas Education Agency and TAHPERD. The overall plan is to train individuals as state trainers who will then conduct training sessions at the regional education service centers. In the TEA letter to superintendents, they were also asked to select a point person to attend a regional training session and, in turn, go back to the district to train teachers on the correct administration of the test protocols.

A series of tentative dates have been set, but they are not confirmed. When the dates are confirmed, we will either post the training schedule or link to TEA or TAHPERD for more information.

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What if I can't make the training session at my regional center?

If you can't attend a training session or need a refresher course, there are two ways to learn more about FITNESSGRAM and the test protocols.

    1. Bound in the FITNESSGRAM Test Administration Manual is a DVD that has footage on the correct administration of the test protocols. These are easy for teachers to use and to show students.

    2. A free FITNESSGRAM online course is available (register for the course at http://www.Fitnessgram.net/course). It is based on the manual and references it throughout the course. The course includes information on the philosophy of the program, issues facing teachers when conducting fitness testing, and the test protocols. There is an exam at the end; the course is free.   Upon successful completion of the end-of-course exam you will be able to print a certificate.  The certificate also informs you that you have earned 4 hours of Professional Development Credit in case you need this information.

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What else do I need in order to administer the FITNESSGRAM tests?

Two additional resources in your FITNESSGRAM kit will help you conduct fitness testing. Also bound into the FITNESSGRAM manual is an audio CD. On the CD are audio tracks for the 15- and 20-meter PACER test as well as the cadences for the curl-up and push-up tests.

In your kit are also samples of the curl-up strips for the curl-up test.

The manual also provides instructions on conducting the individual tests along with required equipment such as mats, rulers or yardsticks, and CD players.

To construct inexpensive Sit and Reach boxes, you can build according to the instructions in the manual or you can substitute cardboard boxes or milk crates and attach a yardstick to the top of the box.  Make sure you follow the manual instructions on the placement of the yardstick.

To measure 20 meters for the PACER test, you will need to mark off a distance of 21 yards or 63 feet and 32 inches.  Sample PACER scoresheets can be found in Appendix B of the FITNESSGRAM manual. 

Copy masters for scoresheets, student fitness records, etc can be found in these locations:  (a) Appendix B of the FITNESSGRAM manual, (b) on your software CD in the PDF folder, and (c) on the manual DVD. 

Do I need to use the current PACER CD in the manual or can I use the older CD?

No.  The differences in the PACER CD bound into the 4th edition of the manual are that the laps for the PACER and the repetitions for curlup and pushup cadences are counted out loud for teachers and students.  Otherwise, these tracks are the same. 

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What can I do to learn how the software works?

TEA-sponsored training for the FITNESSGRAM software has not yet been finalized, but tentative plans call for teleconferences for software training to be done via the regional education service centers starting in late January 2008. 

In the meantime, you can use software training videos to learn about entering information and generating reports from the program. You can access the software training videos by using the following:

  1. Go to the FITNESSGRAM Web site (http://www.Fitnessgram.net/Texas/Training).

  2. The DVD in the FITNESSGRAM Manual (Fourth Edition) also contains the software training videos. To access it, read pages viii to x in the section titled How to Use This Manual and the Enclosed DVD and CD.

  3. On the FITNESSGRAM 8.3 software you received in your kit are folders containing the software training videos. There is also a README file and a license agreement file that gives you permission to place the videos on your school or district network or intranet for easy access by teachers. Please consult with your IT staff on the best way to use the videos for all physical educators in the school or district.

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The FITNESSGRAM Testing Process

Teachers will have many questions associated with the FITNESSGRAM testing process. Here are some of those questions:

  • What is the best way to conduct fitness testing on a large class of students?

  • I teach at a high school, and many students are not enrolled in physical education. How can those students be tested?

  • Can I use volunteers (such as teacher aides, parents) to help conduct fitness testing and enter test results?

These and similar questions will be address on the FITNESSGRAM web site at www.Fitnessgram.net/Texas  once training information is finalized by TEA and TAHPERD.

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Submitting FITNESSGRAM Results as Specified by SB 530

Information will be forthcoming concerning the procedures that schools and districts will need to follow in order to submit FITNESSGRAM test results to the state and comply with SB 530.

All schools and districts will be able to submit their FITNESSGRAM results to TEA using a web-based program.  This program will be able to aggregate the data by school, district, grade, and gender as currently specified by SB 530.  Further, and as stated in the language of SB 530, the aggregated FITNESSGRAM data TEA receives will not have student names nor their IDs nor teacher names associated with the data. 

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Testing students with special needs/disabilities

I have special needs students in my classes.  Do I have to send in fitness results to TEA?

From TAHPERD and TEA:  The law says all students in grades 3-12 are to be tested. The law allows a school district to determine if a student is unable to participate. Most districts are following the IEP for students with disabilities. They can participate in the areas they are able. Temporarily disabled students (broken arm, flu, etc.) can take the portion of the test they missed later. We agree that any student, including those with special needs, that can complete a fitness test should participate.

Most students can take the PACER aerobic test and quit when they are unable to continue. Some special needs students or those with medical notes concerning asthma, etc. may be exempted.

More information from the TEA is available here.

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FITNESSGRAM software training

Will training be provided for the FITNESSGRAM software?

A series of technology teleconferences are scheduled via the regional centers to help school and district IT staff understand how to use the FITNESSGRAM software and provide assistance to teachers.   The teleconferences will cover the following:

  • Set-up of the program
  • Relationship of the data
  • Importing of student information
  • Entering data for classes and students
  • Entering FITNESSGRAM results
  • Generating FITNESSGRAM reports for students and parents

The teleconference schedule is as follows:

  • January 24 - 1-4 pm
  • January 29 - 1-4 pm
  • February 8 - 9 am - 12 pm
  • February 20 - 9 am - 12 pm

Additional teleconferences may be scheduled for March and/or April as needed.

Information on how your school or district can connect to the teleconferences can be found through each individual Education Service Center.

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Testing large groups of students and students not in PE classes

SB 530 indicates that all students in grades 3-12 must go through fitness testing.  What is the best way to test large groups of students?  How do we test those students not taking physical education?   Can I use volunteers to help with testing?   

Volunteers are definitely OK as long as you train them about the FITNESSGRAM test protocols and what to look for in terms of error corrections.  That being said, if you have access to volunteers, your best solution for large groups would be to have volunteers assist you.  Please make certain that your district will allow the use of volunteers to assist with fitness testing.  Also, we encourage you to allow for students to do peer-testing and to work in stations.

There are approximately 1,200 districts in Texas and are probably going to be that many solutions for to how to deal with the SB requirement to test students not in physical education classes.  We feel strongly that you need to enlist the help of your administration to determine the best method possible for your district.  The following are possible solutions from districts who have already conducted fitness testing for students not in PE.  

  • Make fitness testing be the focus for one or two days (sort of like TAKS) and get students out of class as you need to test them.  That way you only interrupt classes for one or two days. 
  • Assign one physical education teacher to do nothing but test the students who are not in PE.
  • Have them come in the morning, at night or on weekends.
  • Hire a testing team to go around the district and test these students.

Sending FITNESSGRAM test results to TEA

Coming soon:  Information on the complete submission process for sending FITNESSGRAM test results from your campus and district to TEA.   Fitness test results can only be submitted through a specific export process--the Research Export--from the FITNESSGRAM software.  This export de-identifies student names and IDs (per SB 530) from the fitness results.

Your district superintendent recently received information from TEA on how to begin this submission process.  (Please see the letter to administrators posted 3/31/08: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/taa/commish040208.htm.)  Each district will need to designate a person to be the 'district submitter.'  This person will need to apply for a TEA_SE login from TEA.  This login, Texas Education Agency _ Secure Environment, permits access to TEA secured web sites.  Note that approval for this login can take from 1-10 days so please contact your superintendent to make sure a 'district submitter' has been determined for your district.  Have your district apply for their TEA_SE login now.

TETN training dates have been established to go over the steps involved in the submission of FITNESSGRAM results to TEA.  Each district will need to go through their ESC for access.

  • April 18:  1- 4 pm  NOTE:  This session has been postponed and will be rescheduled for May.
  • May 2: 9 am - 12 pm
  • May 5: 1- 4 pm

We will also provide complete written instructions and powerpoint presentations on the steps involved to submit FITNESSGRAM results to TEA.

Step 1 -- Designate the district submitter

Step 2 --  Make sure all FITNESSGRAM test results for all students are entered into the FITNESSGRAM software before submitting your data

Step 3 -- District submitter applies for the TEA_SE login and adds the PFAI (Physical Fitness Assessment Initiative) application to the login (http://www.tea.state.tx.us/health/PFAI_TEASE_application_instructions.pdf)

Step 4-- Create the Research Export file from the FITNESSGRAM software (NOTE: Guidelines will be available for each FG software version)

Step 5 -- Submit the Research Export files to TEA via the TEA_SE login

Target date for submission of FITNESSGRAM files to TEA:  Beginning of May 2008

Deadline for submission of FITNESSGRAM files to TEA:  May 31, 2008

Updated:  4/14/08