1. What is adapted physical education?
   Adapted physical education is an instructional service; not a setting or placement. Students with a documented disability can receive adapted physical education when they are unable to meet grade level outcomes because their unique needs require that they receive a different physical education program from their grade level peers.
   
   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 outcomes in the physical, social/emotional, or cognitive areas in a general physical education class, an adapted physical assessment is requested. The assessment is conducted and a report is written which should identify needs that are the result of movement delays or difficulties, physical disabilities, health and physical factors, emotional disorders, behavioral difficulties or cognitive delays. The report should also include recommendations for the most appropriate instructional environment.
   • What instructional environments are available to implement the IEP for students needing an adapted physical education program?
   • General physical education.
   • General physical education with supplementary aids and services.
   • General physical education supplemented with separate adapted physical education on a consistent basis.
   • Separate adapted physical education supplemented with general physical education on a consistent basis.
   • Separate adapted physical education.

4. What is responsible inclusion in physical education?
   Decisions regarding placement in general physical education should be conducted on an individual case by case basis and be determined on individual student assessments, strengths, weaknesses and present levels of performance. Entire special education classes should NOT be included with a general physical education class just for the sake of inclusion. This form of “dumping” increases class sizes to numbers that negatively impact the quality of instruction for both general and special education students.
   
   When included in general physical education, students with disabilities should participate with their non-disabled age peers. Students should not be placed in an inclusion class based on their developmental level. For instance, placing a 5th grade student with a disability in a 1st grade class is not appropriate.

5. Do all students in self-contained programs (FALS, CLS, BLS) require adapted physical education?
   No. Academic placement does not automatically determine the need for adapted physical education. IDEA mandates that students with disabilities be educated with students who are not disabled to the maximum extent possible whenever appropriate. Therefore, general physical education should be considered as the first placement option. If the student is in a general physical education class and is successfully working on grade level outcomes, they may not require adapted physical education.

6. Can a student be exempt from physical education because of a disability?
   No. According to the Code of Maryland Regulations by the State Board of Education, physical education is required in grades K-8. In grades 9-12, there is a required Physical Education course for graduation. Under the Maryland State Board of Education regulations on graduation requirements, there is no waiver of the physical education credit. Modifications or adapted physical education can be provided at any grade level in order to allow a student to participate in physical education.

7. Should the physical education teacher be trained on TIENET?
   Definitely. The physical education teacher is a direct service provider and is responsible for providing instruction, entering information on the IEP, monitoring progress, completing quarterly reports, attending team, and updating goals and objectives. Specific TIENET training for physical education teachers has been and will continue to be offered through professional development.

8. Does every student receiving adapted physical education need to be re-evaluated every 3-years?
   Not necessarily. The team, based upon professional and parental input, reviews the student’s IEP and decides what assessment information is necessary to ascertain the student’s present level of performance, disability, and educational needs. There is no requirement to complete formal assessments as the purposes of the reevaluation may be met through the use of informal measures.

9. What are the resources available for the physical education teacher regarding adapted physical education?
   • Adapted Physical Education Program Guide.
   • Curriculum Supplements.
   • Alternative Fitness Assessments-Brockport Physical Fitness Test.
   • Lending Library for Specialized Equipment.
   • Physical Education Intranet Web site (forms and templates).
   • PE Newsletter.
   • On-going Professional Development.
   • MSDE courses.
   • The Adapted Physical Education Consultant-Email or phone.
     
     
10. Who ensures the physical education teacher completes adapted physical education responsibilities?
    School-based administrators. However, the adapted physical education consultant is always available to support the teacher/school in providing appropriate adapted physical education instruction as well as assisting in IEP documentation.

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, Physical Education, and Dance. Contact an Adapted Physical Education Consultant at (410) 887-4014---See 2008-09 APE School Assignments.