Since 1975, the implementation of the Least Restrictive Environment, a federal mandate of Public Law 94-142, has been historically challenging for physical educators and adapted physical educators. Confusion and misinterpretation of the law's intent, as well as competing ideologies, have perpetuated failed Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)…

The current practice of the least restrictive environment (LRE) policy in physical education (PE) settings is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to explore how PE and adapted physical education (APE) teachers make placement decisions and what factors impact those practices. Qualitative data were collected via survey and follow-up…

"Designing and Implementing Effective Adapted Physical Education Programs" was written to assist adapted and general physical educators who are dedicated to ensuring that the physical and motor needs of all their students are addressed in physical education. While it is anticipated that adapted physical educators, where available, will typically…

Physical education is a direct service which should be provided to all students with mental disabilities. Instruction in physical education should be guided by a comprehensive plan which outlines long-term goals and sequential objectives leading to attainment of these goals. The Achievement Based Curriculum model serves as an example of such a…

These national standards document basic competencies required for individuals providing adapted physical education services. They define qualifications for professionals in this field and the knowledge and skills needed by individuals preparing for the certification examination. An introduction describes the development of the standards, including…

This report presents findings of a national survey to determine the job functions and training of teachers of adapted physical education. The survey was part of a larger project whose goal was to establish standards and a national certification examination for adapted physical educators. The survey involved questions concerning teacher education…

Planning and implementing effective physical education instruction for students with learning disabilities in mainstreamed settings involves focusing on qualitative aspects before quantitative, setting clear and consistent expectations, maximizing students' chances for success, maximizing on-task time, using modeling and physical manipulation, and…

The I CAN--Achievement-Based Curriculum (ABC) project is designed to train regular and special education teachers and regular physical educators to implement individualized, assessment-based instruction of the physical and motor needs of handicapped students in their classes. The ABC is a process model for training teachers how to plan, assess,…