Promoting Physical Activity for all Children

What is Adapted Physical Education?

1. What is adapted physical education?
   Adapted physical education is an instructional service, not a setting or placement. Students with a documented disability receive adapted physical education when, because of their unique needs, require modifications to successfully participate in the physical education program.
   
   According to Public Law 105-17, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.), “Physical education services, specially designed if necessary, must be made available to every child with a disability receiving a free appropriate public education.” An appropriate physical education program should be discussed at IEP meetings and goals and objectives should be included in the IEP whenever a student needs an adapted physical education program. Adapted physical education is a “specially designed physical education program as prescribed in the student’s IEP” (PL 105-17).
2. How does a student qualify for adapted physical education services?
   When a student demonstrates difficulty meeting grade level standards in regular physical education an assessment is conducted. A student qualifies for adapted physical education when the assessment report identifies needs that are the result of movement delays or difficulties, physical disabilities, health and physical factors, emotional disorders, behavioral difficulties or cognitive delays.
3. What is the appropriate physical education environment for a student with a disability?
   Students with disabilities must be afforded the opportunity to participate in the regular physical education program available to nondisabled students unless:
1. the student is enrolled in a full time separate facility
2. the student needs an adapted physical education program, as determined by the IEP team and prescribed in the student’s IEP (PL 105-17)
4. What instructional environments are available to implement the IEP for students needing an adapted physical education program?
1. general physical education
2. general physical education with supplementary aids and services
3. general physical education supplemented with separate adapted physical education on a consistent basis
4. separate adapted physical education supplemented with general physical education on a consistent basis
5. separate adapted physical education
5. How does the IEP team address the physical education needs of students with disabilities through the IEP team process?
1. collaborate with physical education teacher to determine if the student is having difficulty meeting grade level standards in general physical education
2. review concerns at IEP team and obtain parent permission for assessment
3. contact APE consultant to assist with assessment
4. conduct IEP team meeting to discuss results of assessment and recommendations
5. draft goals and objectives if IEP team concludes that adapted physical education is required
6. identify the appropriate adapted physical education environment, service provider and hours of service
6. What is the role of the physical education teacher in the identification process for adapted physical education?
   When a student with a disability is having difficulty meeting grade level standards in physical education, the physical education teacher, must be included in the IEP team process. The physical education teacher’s responsibilities include:
1. review the student’s confidential folder to obtain pertinent information, as well as, to determine if adapted physical education concerns have previously been addressed
2. report to the IEP chairperson concerns about the student’s difficulties in general physical education
3. share concerns at IEP team with school staff and parents
4. conduct the assessment OR contact an adapted physical education consultant at the Office of Health and Physical Education (887-4014) for assistance if the team determines assessment is warranted
5. complete a written report is based on results of the assessment
6. draft goals and objectives if student is eligible for adapted physical education services
7. contact the APE consultant for assistance with the implementation of the APE goals and objectives
8. document progress on goals/objectives
9. complete quarterly reports for to address student goals and objectives that are stated on the IEP.
10. present updated goals and objectives for annual review
11. continue consultation with APE consultant

**At any point during the IEP and/or instructional process, support is available through the (APE) Adapted Physical Education Consultant program sponsored by the Offices of Special Education and Health and Physical Education. Contact an Adapted Physical Education Consultant at (ph) 887-4014 or (fax) 887-4038.

Revised 10-07