Since 1996, California schools have been required to test students in 5th , 7th and 9th grades with a test that measures there physical performance, but that test is being looked at for its effectiveness and repercussions that it may bring. Governor Gavin Newsom released a proposal that would postpone the tests, and possibly eliminate them, effective 2023. California is using the FITNESSGRAM assessment. For details, see https://pftdata.org/files/hfz- standards.pdf. This test includes sit-ups, pull-ups, a sit-and-reach test, curl-ups, and a one- mile run.
Among other reasons, some schools have suspended the test because there have been increased incidents of bullying and body-shaming. This, in part, is due to the procedures that involve measurements of weight and height, and identifying Body Mass Index (BMI).
Another problem is that the test requires different measurements for male and female students and those who don’t identify as one or the other are sometimes shamed for their choice. Evan Minton, a transgender advocate, told KCRA3-News, “We applaud the governor on his long-time understanding that people don’t fit into boxes.”
Heather Gingras, a parent at Coyle Elementary School in Carmichael said that dumping PE testing was not a good idea. & quotes. We have an obesity crisis and they need that physical
fitness,” she said. “I think that teaches them how to grow up and be healthy adults." While Governor Newsom is looking at stopping the testing to prevent the potential issues that it has created, he is not encouraging schools to give up a Physical Education component in the curriculum.
In the same news story, Daniel Ketchell, a spokesperson for former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said that California’s most famous body-builder-turned-actor-turned politician said,” the most important thing is that our students have access to daily physical education classes to promote a healthy and fit lifestyle.”