OHIO WANTS TO BRING BACK FITNESS TEST FOR STUDENTS

Remember the Presidential Physical Fitness Test? The mile run and pullups? Today’s schoolkids have never experienced it, but a group of Ohio lawmakers wants to bring it back. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill to require 1st- through 12th-grade students to take an annual fitness exam modeled after the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, which was discontinued in 2012. That fitness test involved sit-ups, a shuttle run, pull-ups, a sit-and-reach and a one-mile run. Students were placed into percentiles based on their age and sex. The lawmakers pitching the new Ohio Fitness Test say the state’s children need more exercise goals. The rate of obesity for Ohio children is 18.3%, slightly higher than the national average. The House bill, if approved, would give awards to students who perform in the 50th and up percentiles. While no one would be disciplined for poor physical performance, those who perform below the 50th percentile would receive the ever-popular participation certificate.
* They can have one of mine, I got a drawer full.
* Put their cellphones at the finish line of the mile run, you’ll be surprised how fit those kids are.
* Presidential Fitness Test? Uhhhh… I think we gave that up back around Nixon.
* It shouldn’t be allowed to be voted on until all the lawmakers involved take the test themselves.