Adapted physical education
Last updated
Adapted physical education is physical education specially designed for a student who cannot fully take part in general PE, even with accommodations.
Topic: Services, placement and staff
In plain terms
Under IDEA, physical education is part of special education, and every student with a disability must have PE available unless they are in a setting where no students get it. Adapted PE, often called APE, changes the activities, equipment, rules or setting so the student can build motor skills, fitness and game participation. It can happen inside a general PE class or separately.
How it shows up in an IEP
APE goals target motor skills and participation, such as catching, kicking or following game rules, measured with skill checklists or trials. An APE specialist may teach directly or consult with the PE teacher.
Example
A student with low muscle tone has an APE goal to catch a playground ball tossed from 6 feet in 4 of 5 trials, practiced during general PE warm-ups.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.108, 34 CFR §300.39(b)(2).
Related terms
- Physical therapy (school-based)School-based physical therapy helps students move safely and independently around school, with goals for mobility, balance, strength and access.
- Gross motor skillsGross motor skills are movements of the large muscles of the body, used for walking, running, jumping, climbing, balance and coordination.
- Special educationSpecial education is specially designed instruction, at no cost to families, that meets the unique needs of a child with a disability.
- Adaptive equipmentAdaptive equipment is gear that helps a student with a disability sit, move, eat, write or take part in activities more independently.
On IEP Atlas
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