Alabama is changing the way it assesses students in physical education classes in public schools.
The state Department of Education says every Alabama student enrolled in physical education classes in grades 2-12 will participate in the new Alabama Physical Fitness Assessment. It replaces the President's Challenge Fitness Test, which was adopted nearly 30 years ago.
The new assessment focuses on health-related fitness. It measures aerobic cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, abdominal strength and endurance, and flexibility.
State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice said physical education teachers will monitor and assess students in improving overall health and fitness. Students are being pre-tested now and will be post-tested between March 1 and May 1.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.