Thumbs up or down?

The Pacer Test, or Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run, is a multistage aerobic stage that progressively gets more difficult as it continues. The twenty meter pacer test running speed starts slowly but gets faster each minute after hearing the signal. Some students dread the test; while, students are neutral to the test.

The Pacer Test is designed to assess a student’s growth from the beginning until the end of the school year. At Crete Monee High school, the test is taken quarterly, counts as a grade, and every student has to participate.

Students often complain about the test suggesting it should be banned or replaced with a test that suits everyone’s fitness levels, mental health, weights, and heights. The pacer test forces students to increase their speed until they can no longer go, that can result in health concerns such as asthma attacks and stress injuries.

“I do not like running the pacer. It makes me hot and sweaty. It is too much work! I rather run on my own time”. Said senior Wisdom Sinclaire

The afterfact is students are left exhausted and out of breath. Students believe they should not be graded on their athletic ability.

“Everyone's strong point is not running so I feel like it is unfair for certain people. I think it is pointless and unfair to be tested and graded on. I dread the pacer”. Said senior Jaida Ross

Typically, the test seems to be a lighter experience for athletes. Just like everyone else they are required to take test. Because of their daily practices and off-season conditioning, the pacer is similar to that allowing it to be easier for them unlike average students. It assesses speed, stamina, and mental toughness, which athletes have already developed.

“Personally, the test is easy and playing a sport definitely helps out!” said Danielle DeSpain, senior varsity player of the softball team and cheer team

The test requires aspects that an average student would not have. Students have different levels of octheight, weight, and abilities which should all be took into consideration. The differences within one another result into various results that should not be determined for a grade.

In Neo Mongolia, the pacer test has been completely banned. Neo Mongolia schools suggests the test is a burden on the school curriculum citing student’s health to b their main concern of the test. According to the Neo Mongolia news network, six hospitalizations were linked to the application of the test at school. This demonstrates the health concerns that the test brings.

Overall, the test is easy to some students and difficult to others. Another form of testing should be considered for students whose weakness is running, also considering their different levels of height, weight, and ability.