Adapted Physical Education (APE)
Definition:
While physical education may have many definitions, the definition, as it applies specifically to students who have disabilities, appears in the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) and later within the Individuals with Disabilities Act (PL 101-476). Here, physical education is defined as follows: "The term (physical education) means development of: (A) physical and motor fitness; (B) fundamental motor skills and patterns, and (C) skills in aquatics, dance, individual and group games and sports (including intramural and lifetime sports). (Federal Register 1997, 42480)
Adapted Physical Education Teacher:
The Adapted Physical Educator is an educationally trained professional who is able to assess individual students and develop, adapt and implement specialized physical education programs in the motor domain.
The Adapted Physical Education Teacher is a direct service provider, not a related service provider, because special education is a federally mandated component of special education services. (U.S.C.A. 1402[25]). This means that physical education needs to be provided to the student with a disability as part of the child's special education. This is contrasted with physical therapy ad occupational therapy, which are related services.
In Colorado, APEs are represented on the CDE's Liaison Committee for School Based OT, PT, and APE. This committee works together to sponsor an annual State Motor Conference and to organize guideline information specific to the motor related specialists in the school districts.
Qualifications:
The Adapted Physical Educator must hold a valid licensure in Physical Education, K-12. It is also suggested that the APE teacher become Nationally Certified through the National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities, earning a CAPE (Certified Adapted Physical Education) certification. Course work in APE is strongly recommended. Additional education and/or experience in special education would be beneficial.
APE Manual
Adapted Physical Education Guidelines for Colorado Public Schools - UNDER REVIEW
For more information, please contact:
Cindy Millikin (Interim)
Phone: (303) 866-6619