Fitting into Healthy Standards

By KATIE LEIGH

Every fall and spring, Jericho students are required to complete the Presidential Fitness Test, developed in 1966 and used by school districts across the country to assess students’ flexibility, muscular strength, and cardiovascular endurance.

The Presidential Fitness Test requires students to complete a series of assessments, which lets students know how fit they are, compared to a national standard. The assessments include sit-ups, the V-Sit and Reach, the one-mile run, push-ups, and the shuttle run. Students are then placed in percentile groups based on their ages. Students’ scores help physical education teachers create lessons for the year to help all students improve.

Freshman Ryan S. said, “I’m in favor of it so kids can see how fit they are and what their bodies can do.” Additionally, Junior Alexa S. said, “I think it is necessary for people to take the fitness test because they have to learn to be conscious of their physical fitness as it is a part of their health.”

Junior Lana S. opposes the testing because, “It pushes students who are less athletic too far and some standards, such as the twelve minute mile, are unrealistic for some students.” Similarly, Junior Gillian S. said, “I am against fitness testing for many reasons, one of which includes the fact that some kids might feel that they are under pressure when tested, and they might not perform as well as they would normally, so it is not an accurate representation of the student’s skills.”

Physical Education teacher Ms. Dunn believes the test is a good requirement because, “It gives every high school student a perspective of where they stand.” Physical Education teacher Mr. Lahti said, “I think that it sets a bar at the beginning of the year to grow toward throughout the year, and it shows that physical fitness is necessary in your life.”

Physical Education and Athletics Curriculum Associate Mr. Mankowich is a supporter of the testing because he believes students need to recognize how they fall within healthy ranges. “As long as the kids are trying, it does accurately portray where they are,” he said.

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