President Trump Revives Ancient Presidential Health Assessment: What Changes Might Occur?

In a move reminiscent of a bygone era, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to revive the Presidential Fitness Test. The test, which was phased out in 2013 during President Barack Obama's administration, was introduced in the 1950s by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The test, a standardized way to assess and promote physical health and athletic ability among students, has been a part of school education for decades. It includes athletic feats such as pushups, pullups, and the mile run. However, its reintroduction is sparking debate among educators and sports enthusiasts.

Judy LoBianco, a longtime physical educator, believes that physical education has evolved beyond a competitive assessment like the Presidential Physical Fitness Test. She argues that the test can embarrass kids who are less athletic, make them anxious, and discourage them from feeling empowered to undertake their own fitness journey. Instead, assessments in P.E. classes should instill a feeling of joy of being physically active, along with skills like teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, and sportsmanship.

The change in 2013 focused more holistically on students' health with a more positive-and less competitive-spin. The Presidential Youth Fitness Program, which replaced the test, emphasized overall wellness and personal growth, rather than competition.

Trump's administration, on the other hand, sees the test as a means to address the threat to the vitality and longevity of the country that is posed by America's declining health and physical fitness. The presidential fitness order, signed at the end of July, states that the administration "must address the threat to the vitality and longevity of our country that is posed by America's declining health and physical fitness."

The test's popularity among the nation's students isn't certain. Some physical educators have concerns about the test, citing unequal opportunities for students due to varying school schedules. For instance, the test creates an unlevel playing field for kids in schools where they only have P.E. every two weeks versus those where they're in gym classes almost every day.

The test's reintroduction is also part of a broader focus from President Trump on athletics and fitness. Simultaneously, Trump has also sought to limit student-athletes' compensation and give federal agencies more authority over funding, rules, and guidance in college sports. Additionally, the administration has doggedly pursued civil rights investigations into states, schools, and universities that allow transgender athletes to compete in women's sports.

The notion of a fit nation has been popular among presidents, extending back to Theodore Roosevelt. The Presidential Fitness Test is indeed a part of a long history of presidential involvement in students' fitness. Whether the test will regain its former popularity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate surrounding its reintroduction is far from over.

President Trump Revives Ancient Presidential Health Assessment: What Changes Might Occur?