Early Level Entry Assessment:

In the physical education setting the easiest and most efficient form of assessment is an informal
professional observation. For this specific unit students performed the stations lesson on a weekly basis
( Every Tuesday for about 8 weeks). Each Tuesday each class would review information learned during
the previous week and would be questioned to check for understanding, and also build off previous
knowledge. Areas that students continued to struggle were presented in an alternative form, and
assessed again. Prior to beginning each day students would calculate their target heart rate using
formulas provided on a white board. Based on their RHR students would have to modify and or adapt
intensity levels at each station (18 total) to maintain a standardized target heart rate which was
provided (this was calculated from the average age and RHR of 7
th
and 8
th
grade students). By the
second or third week a majority of students understood how to find and calculate their RHR. This
professional observation became an ongoing assessment for student progression. By the third week all
students were calculating and evaluating if their RHR was improving. If there RHR was decreasing on a
weekly basis, this would be considered an indication of the student improving their overall fitness level.
Whereas if their RHR increased it meant that the students fitness level is regressing.
Student began to use this information to modify the rate at which they participated during class. Every
four stations students were to evaluate their heart rate and adjust intensity or modify the station to
maintain the THR zone.
Random students were selected to share their heart rate with the class. Questions were used to drive
instruction and build connections between the materials. (i.e Kevins heart rate is well below the target
heart rate? how might he improve it to maintain THR at the mountain climber station? How can modify
mountain climbers to make it more challenging and increase his HR? If I am working at 80% intensity
what am I doing to my body? Burning fat or building muscle?)
In some cases a show of hands was used to identify those who were below or above their THR zone.
This form of assessment was used for a number of reasons including:
Fitness stations was normally conducted with a minimum of two classes and in some cases three
Time efficient (maximized the time students remained physically active)
Easy to identify student who need additional help
There was no grading scale is simply an easy way to monitor who could find a pulse and calculate RHR,
and who might need additional help.