Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment *4th Graders*

Physical fitness is an important component of Connecticut's overall educational program goals. All 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th graders in the state take the assessment. The Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment (CPFA) is evidence of a commitment to the physical development of Connecticut's students, as well as a commitment to focusing on outcomes and specific performance objectives. Physical fitness should be a result of the balance of activities that are provided in the physical education programs at school and continued by the family and in other community activities. This assessment is not the focus of the entire physical education curriculum or program. The assessment is part of the ongoing process of helping children understand and improve and/or maintain their physical health and well-being.

The CPFA consists of four components:

Flexibility Test: Modified Sit and Reach — this test measures flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings, the objective is to reach a specified distance on the right and left sides. The lowest scoring leg will count as the overall score.

Abdominal Strength and Endurance Test: Partial Curl-up — the objective of this test is to complete as many partial curl-ups as possible at a rhythmic pace.

Upper Body Strength and Endurance Test: Right Angle Push-up — the objective of this test is to complete as many right angle push-ups as possible at a rhythmic pace.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Test: One-Mile Run/Walk — the objective of the test is to measure cardiorespiratory or aerobic endurance.

There are two standards for the CPFA:

The 'Health' Standard — by completing a test at the "health standard" or above, is considered by the State of Connecticut to be physically fit for that category.Health Level for each task is considered to be a challenging, yet attainable, standard for most students

The 'Challenge' Standard — recognizes exceptional physical fitness in a specific area.