Date

2-1-2007

Department

School of Education

Degree

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Chair

Karen Parker

Primary Subject Area

Education, Administration

Keywords

Fitness, Health, Academic Achievement, Physical Education, FitnessGram

Disciplines

Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine sixth grade students’ level of fitness on the FitnessGram physical fitness testing program at the beginning of the 2006 – 2007 school year. This study examined if students entering the sixth grade were in the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) or needs improvement zone of the FitnessGram. The primary participant population for the study was 155 sixth grade students from four different Metro-Atlanta middle schools. Although there were 155 students, gender was not reported for two of the students. Data was collected during the 2006 – 2007 school year during the first 3 weeks of school. The data sources included FitnessGram test scores and the Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ). Other factors that were analyzed were gender and ethnicity. The researcher held the FitnessGram orientation meetings with the physical education teachers at the schools where he conducted the research. The orientation consisted of discussing the research with the teachers, watching the FitnessGram DVD, providing educational resources, and demonstrating each of the assessments for the teachers. The findings indicated that although students fell within the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) on five of the six FitnessGram subtests, the majority of students did not do well on the most important test item, aerobic capacity. Results also showed that students who participate in regular physical activity outside of school have a higher level of aerobic capacity than those who do not.

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