Creating a Safe and Inclusive Fitness Assessment Environment for School-Age Children

Why assess fitness in school?

Fitness assessment is an important part of a quality physical education program that educates students
on how to live an active and healthy lifestyle1. When fitness assessment is appropriately used as part of
a fitness education program, school-age children are empowered to adopt physical activity behaviors
that research has shown to improve academic, attendance, and behavioral outcomes that prepare them
for college, careers, and military service.

Creating a safe and inclusive fitness assessment environment

Safety and inclusion are core to The Cooper Institute’s fitness assessment recommendations. It is
important that all students, regardless of gender, race, religion, and abilities have the opportunity to
receive education about the importance of health-related fitness and physical activity. The Cooper
Institute is committed to the HELP philosophy2, which describes the role of fitness assessment in the
personal fitness journey:

 Health comes from regular physical activity.

 Everyone can be active, regardless of age, gender, or ability.
 Physical activity and fitness are for a Lifetime, and
 It’s Personal.

Students are more likely to have a positive fitness testing experience if they have had the opportunity to
learn the purpose of and practice the assessment. The Cooper Institute recommends all teachers
providing fitness assessment follow best practices to deliver a positive experience for students. Body
weight assessment, gender identity, and disability are important considerations when planning for
fitness assessment to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all children.

Body weight assessment provides youth and parents with important information about body weight and
associated health risks. Teachers should provide private and non-judgmental opportunities for body
composition assessment. Next, fitness assessment is based on scientifically validated, criterion-
referenced male and female standards. Given this background, sex at birth is the recommended
category for proper interpretation of results. However, it is important that the student, parent, and
teacher collaborate to determine the most appropriate sex category for transgender and non-binary
students. Finally, for students with disabilities, the Brockport fitness assessment is available and
provides a modified version of the fitness tests3. Fitness assessments should be inclusive of all students,
regardless of ability.

Fitness assessment empowers school-age children to use their own fitness results to develop a healthy
life plan that includes physical activity. It is critical that the assessment experience provide education
and thoughtful support of all children. Teachers are encouraged to maintain complete confidentiality
and sensitivity when testing and recording results for all children. This respectful approach will help to
maintain self-esteem, decrease anxiety, and prevent bullying.

Date: 042020