Traditionally in education, particularly in elementary education, curriculum areas such as PE, Art, and Music have been labeled with the commonly known term "specials." In many cases, this term has simply meant that these classes include "extra" content that enhances the school's overall academics when time is allowed. This…

Every student is unique and possesses different needs and abilities, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Alternative instruction that accommodates their distinctive needs could increase their probability of success in physical education lessons. The integration of technology in physical education classes would be a valuable…

Sensory obstacle courses provide lesson ideas for teachers targeting objectives in both cognitive and psychomotor domains. Specific cognitive learning includes the movement concepts needed to navigate obstacles set up in the gymnasium aimed at developing athletic motor skills competences needed for sports. Sensory courses include using stations…

This article provides a useful activity for adapted physical educators to use when programming for students with low-incidence disabilities. The goal of the activity is to promote movement that is fun and builds upon skills needed for independence. With the help of a task analysis, the game "grip and drop" can help children develop…

The purpose of this article is to share a validated IEP [individualized education program] checklist for PE [physical education]. This tool can be used by administrators, physical and adapted physical educators, parents, and specialists.

Swimming is a low-impact activity that causes little stress on joints so it can be done for a lifetime. Many teachers may wish to teach swimming but do not have cues or ideas for doing so. This article reviews swimming cues, relays and equipment that can help a physical education teacher include a swimming unit in their curriculum. Certification…

At the University of Central Missouri (UCM), the THRIVE program is made up of young adults, ages 18 to 25, who have developmental or intellectual disabilities. A merger occurred between the THRIVE program and the adapted physical education course required for physical education teacher education (PETE) students to provide practical experiences for…

This article explores one approach to meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities using a systematic approach to decision-making called the achievement-based curriculum.

Nearly 30% of U.S. schools have students with severe disabilities who participate in a self-contained adapted physical education (SAPE) setting, separate from their typically developing classmates. It is imperative that physical education teachers become familiar with pedagogical strategies for planning and teaching SAPE. The purpose of this…

Goalball, a sport designed for those with visual impairments, is a competitive and recreational sport enjoyed by athletes around the world. Students with and without visual impairments can experience positive outcomes when teachers appropriately include a goalball unit as part of their inclusive secondary physical education curriculum. This…

Golf is one of the most accessible and versatile physical activities and is a viable choice for young adults with disabilities to engage in the recommended levels of physical activity. Teaching golf to youth with disabilities requires more than making accommodations regarding equipment, technique, and rules in the physical education setting. For…

The typical physical education class period consists of a number of instructional activities linked together by brief transitory phases, or transitions (e.g., lining up, identifying teams, handing out equipment, etc.). Transitions can challenge even the most experienced physical educators, because without good classroom management, transitions can…

This article describes the gross motor assessment team (GMAT) members' roles and collaborative approach to making appropriate decisions and modifications when addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities in physical education. Case studies of students are used to demonstrate effective uses of the GMAT. The primary outcome of the GMAT's…

The physical activity patterns of students with disabilities have been studied in order to understand how much moderate and vigorous daily physical exercise is obtained. Literature suggests that students with disabilities are less physically active as compared to children without disabilities. As a result of being less physically active, these…

Due to federal mandates, physical educators are now expected to teach a wide range of students, spanning the entirety of the learning continuum, in their classes. These mandates support and encourage students with disabilities to learn and grow in inclusive settings alongside their general education peers. Students diagnosed with Attention-Deficit…