The chancellor of NYC public schools Thursday marked the end of the first year of a unique program that tracks Bronx and city students? fitness.

Chancellor Joel Klein praised elementary school students, parents and educators for helping test the FITNESSGRAM assessment for the 2005-2006 school year. Students were evaluated based on their physical activities and body mass index (BMI). Unlike other fitness tests, students were assessed based on individual performance, rather than a standard. Parents will receive recommendations on how to improve their children?s health.

The Department of Education plans to expand the program to 250 schools next year. The program was tested in schools that have physical education instructors.