I still remember the day I was forced to participate in the PACER running test during a physical education class in Beaverton School District. What started as just another day in PE turned into a nightmare when I sprained my ankle trying to keep up with the incessant beeping sounds dictating our pace. This experience was not just painful physically, but it also left me feeling humiliated and frustrated.

   I am a sixth grader in the Beaverton School District and nearly every one in my class dreads the running test, so much that there is a collective groan every time it appears on the class schedule. Many kids have strong cardiovascular endurance but forgot breakfast or didn’t sleep well during the previous night. This isn’t fair because it gives kids that have done cardiovascular endurance exercises the previous day are at a disadvantage. See the problem? In addition, the pacer can happen during religious holidays such as Ramadan, lent, or yom kipper, making it possibly more difficult for Christian Muslim and Jewish students.
The PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) test, part of the FITNESSGRAM®, is a standardized running test that has become a mandated component in our district's PE curriculum. Its intention is to measure a student's aerobic capacity, but at what cost? Instead of promoting a healthy lifestyle and love for fitness, it often results in physical injuries and psychological stress among students. Many students, like myself, dread these evaluations because they are not reflective of individual capabilities or potential; they favor those already inclined towards high endurance activities.

There are numerous studies and reports that have documented the potential for injury and negative impact on student well-being related to high-stakes physical testing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activities should promote positivity and inclusivity, ensuring safety first. By making PACER tests mandatory, we are putting students at unnecessary risk and fostering a negative environment towards physical education.

Our goal is simple and achievable: remove the mandatory requirement for the PACER running test in the Beaverton School District's curriculum. Instead, we can explore alternative methods of assessing physical fitness that are more inclusive and considerate of different athletic abilities. For instance, offering a range of fitness activities where students can choose according to their personal interests and strengths can encourage participation and improve overall wellness without compromising student safety.

I implore the Beaverton School District to reconsider this requirement. Let's work together to cultivate a PE program that prioritizes the health and happiness of our students, rather than pushing them to their breaking points. Please sign this petition to make our schools a safer and more supportive space for everyone.