Japan to Test Elementary, Middle Schoolers for Physical Fitness

Japan to Test Elementary, Middle Schoolers for Physical Fitness. April. 03, 2008 06:25. sya@donga.com.

Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology plans to conduct an annual national survey on physical fitness, exercise ability, and exercise habit of all elementary 5th graders and 2nd-year middle schoolers beginning this year, according to Japanese news media on Wednesday.

According to the ministry’s plan, about 2.4 million students will get a physical fitness test in eight categories, including sit-up, broad jump, running, and ball throwing. Between April and July, they will also have an interview about their daily habits, eating habits and exercise habits.

Test results will be announced every December after calculating the average of each municipality. The ministry will also study correlations between daily habit and physical fitness test results.

This is the first time Japan will conduct a national survey of students’ physical fitness. Some local media reported that this test is a physical version of a national achievement test revived last year after 43 years.

“The aim of this survey is to ensure students recognize and provide self-response measures as their physical fitness has been weakening,” said the ministry.

However, teachers in the field seemed disconcerted and confused. They believe the government’s decision was too sudden and that the test will fuel competition between schools and local governments.

“If the purpose of this test is to recognize one’s physical strength, I think the current physical test conducted by each school is enough,” said the headmaster of a middle school in Tokyo. “At a time when they barely have enough time to study, students will be hard pressed to prepare for the physical test by July.”

An education critic pointed out, “If the results are announced, local authorities and schools will compete with each other, and students will be forced to exercise more to achieve better results.”