A Microsoft Word version of this letter is available for download and PRINTING.

January 10, 2011

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:

SUBJECT: Required Physical Fitness Assessment

Aggregate data from the 2009-2010 Physical Fitness Assessment Initiative (PFAI) can be viewed at http://www.tea.state.tx.us./index4.aspx?id=3975 and will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of school health programming and to direct resources to school districts where health disparities are most evident. A three-year state-wide comparison on students achieving the Healthy Fitness Zone on all 6 assessments is also available at this same link.

As you are aware, the Texas Education Code, §38.101 and §38.103, requires that the fitness levels of all students in grades 3-12 be assessed at least once annually and that school districts submit the results to the Texas Education Agency each school year. The TEA identified FITNESSGRAM® as the assessment tool to be used by all school districts starting in the 2007-2008 school year.

The information provided below is being made available to ensure that you are able to upload your data successfully this school year.

• The system for uploading FITNESSGRAM® data will open on March 21, 2011.
• All fitness data is due to the Texas Education Agency by May 13, 2011.
• A TEASE Account, user name and password with PFAI access is required to upload data to the agency. Instructions for this process can be found at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/pfai_tease.pdf.
• You must upgrade your current software to FITNESSGRAM® 8.6. The free upgrade can be downloaded from the FITNESSGRAM® website at www.fitnessgram.net.
• FITNESSGRAM® 9, which is the web-based version, is available at this time. There is a charge for this software to the districts. Districts are NOT required to purchase this software in order to upload data to TEA. You should contact FITNESSGRAM® at 1-800-747-4457 if you are interested in purchasing the web-based software.
• A list of the school districts that submit data, as well as those districts that do not submit data, will be posted on the TEA website.

If you need additional assistance for submitting data this school year, please contact TEA’s Division of Health and Safety at 512-463-3070 or by emailing healthandsafety@tea.state.tx.us. You may also access information on FITNESSGRAM® at www.fitnessgram.net/texas or by calling 1-800-747-4457.

The TEA thanks all administrators, teachers, parents, and students for their commitment to implementing this important initiative. We look forward to working with you to improve the coordinated school health programs and practices throughout the state.

Sincerely,

Marissa Rathbone, Director
Division of Health and Safety