Adapted Physical Education
(APE)
Lara BrickhousePitt County Schools,
CAPE
Adapted Physical Education is…
Also known as Specially Designed Physical Education.
Special education.Not a related service such as PT,
OT, or Speech. It is a direct service.
Required by law for students that demonstrate a need for specially designed instruction.
EligibilityIf a child with a disability cannot
participate in the regular physical education program, individualized instruction in physical education, designed to meet the unique needs of the child, shall be provided. Physical education may include:◦ (1) Modified physical education,◦ (2) Adapted/special physical education,◦ (3) Movement education, and◦ (4) Motor development.
Modified PEAppropriate for a child who can participate
in the general physical education program with accommodations or modifications. These modifications can include changing rules, equipment, time limits, etc. It can also include supports such as a sign language interpreter.
(See modification sheets)
Adapted PEInstruction in physical education that
is designed on an individual basis specifically to meet the needs of a child with a disability.
Roles of an Adapted Physical Educator: Direct service provider – evaluate, plan, and
implement instruction for students with special needs
Consultant – assist others, typically general physical educators and EC classroom teachers, in providing APE programs
APE Instruction:Guiding Questions
Can the student participate in PE with non-disabled peers?
Can PE instruction be differentiated so the student can participate?
Provide written instructions in advance Deliberate small group assignment Modify tasks or skills
What are the student’s strengths? Needs?In order for the student to participate in
and learn in the PE curriculum, do we need to design PE instruction just for him/her?
How is the Need for APEDetermined?
The IEP team determines the need. Should consist of:
APE specialist (if available) General education PE teacher
Evaluation should be completed.If the need for APE is determined,
Present Level of Academic Performance and stdent goals must be developed for the IEP.
Must have input from someone knowledgeable about the PE curriculum.
EvaluationsThere are over 40 evaluation
tools that can be used to determine eligibility for APE services.
“It depends.”A few examples…
Student Qualifies for APE…What’s next?
EC students must receive the same amount of PE as non-disabled students.
PE and APE must be taught by a teacher with current PE licensure.
All students must access PE in their least restrictive environment.
APE is provided on a continuum…
Continuum of PossibilitiesLevel 1
• General Physical Education (GPE)
Level 2• GPE with APE Consultation
Level 3• APE Direct Services in GPE
Level 4• Self-Contained APE
Level 5• Self-Contained APE with
additional staff
Accommodations and modifications put in place
With PE or APE teacher
APE teacher provides APE to students during a
general PE class.
With PE or APE teacher and paraeducators
Students with and without disabilities participate in PE,
no assistance
Who Can Provide APE?All teachers licensed in physical
education This does not mean you feel comfortable
to do so!Best practice – employ a PE
teacher with CAPE certification Plan and implement an APE program.
No APE Specialist?Update knowledge of disabilities
and teaching strategies.Collaborate with other service
providers (NC APE Council, OT, PT, EC teachers, parents, administrators)
Explore and use community resources
Colleges and universities Recreation programs for special
populations Sports programs for special populations
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