DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – More than one in five Alabama kids are obese, one of the worst rates in the country, according to State of Childhood Obesity.
Now, a Trump administration mandate could change how Alabama students’ fitness assessments work.
President Trump is bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test for the first time in more than a decade. The assessment disappeared from schools in 2013.
Teachers await guidance
Shelley Grimes has spent 20 years getting Alabama kids moving. But now she’s awaiting answers from Washington about how the reinstated test will affect her physical education classes.
Grimes remembers when the Presidential Fitness Test was the standard. Alabama later switched to its own assessment.
“When I heard that it was a possibility that it was going to be coming back, I sort of questioned, like, ‘How is that going to affect us?’” Grimes said.
Key differences between tests
The decision could change what students’ gym classes look like. Both tests measure the same things — cardiovascular fitness, strength, endurance and flexibility. But the Presidential Fitness Test adds one more component: agility.
Grimes said that shift changes everything.
“It was a big deal to some kids back when we had it. They were really competitive with it. And I kind of don’t like all that competitiveness. So to me, that’s more based on performance instead of health-related, where the Alabama (test) would be more health-related and aligned with our standards,” she said.
Health professionals weigh in
Nurse practitioner Braxton Kennedy sees it differently.
“With this new presidential fitness test, I think it is a great tool, but I just want the tool to be used in a meaningful way so that it does lead to bigger changes,” said Kennedy, who works at Dothan Pediatric.
Questions remain
The debate isn’t about whether Alabama kids need to get healthier. The real question is whether this test will replace what Alabama already has.
Grimes said she doesn’t have that answer yet.
“It’s a big question. And so we haven’t been given any directive on it. I imagine it will probably be coming soon,” she said.
Coaches are waiting for guidance, and kids are waiting to find out what gym class looks like next year.
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