Central Tasks of Learning to Teach provided the theoretical framework for the first study involving one in-service elementary physical educator teaching integrated classes while reflecting on three major stages of the teacher's career, (1) the preservice, (2) the induction, and (3) the continuing professional development periods. Data revealed the…

Students with disabilities are educated in general physical education classes with their same aged peers more now than ever before (Governmental Accountability Office [GAO], 2010), yet little is known about how those with orthopedic impairments experience these integrated classes. Additionally, while a plethora of strategies are described as…

This dissertation in practice centers on the problem of practice that students with disabilities are systematically excluded from mainstream health and physical education classes to the detriment of their health and well-being. This dissertation improvement project tests the effects of Partners in PE (PPE) by utilizing a 3-session peer-to-peer…

Special education administrators oversee students with disabilities' education, which includes physical education (PE). However, it has been well-reported that special education administrators have a dearth of knowledge with regard to PE for students with disabilities (Gray, 2016; Stewart, 2010). The ability of traditional professional development…

The disability of autism and the use of assistive technology is a new and emerging issue for current and future adapted physical educators. One of the fastest-growing populations in schools and society today consists of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To adequately determine if adapted physical education teachers are knowledgeable…

This study examined physical education teachers' perceptions of their knowledge, skills, and dispositions, who received federal funding and training from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in Adapted Physical Education (APE). The OSEP offers grant opportunities to institutions of higher education, non-profits, and other educational…

This dissertation consists of three studies which examined multidimensional balance in youth (= 21 years; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2004) with visual impairments (VIs) using the Brief-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief-BESTest). These studies have the potential to inform (adapted) physical education curricula and…

The inclusion of students with disabilities in general physical education (GPE) classes has become a concept and practice that is expected if not always understood. A review of inclusion in physical education literature suggested that GPE teachers possess less than favorable feelings towards the inclusion of students with disabilities in their…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a training package, which consisted of the Flex Grid Teaching Model along with adapted physical education consultation, on special education teacher instruction of functional motor skill acquisition instruction to secondary students with low incidence disabilities. Special education teachers…

Students with the most severe disabilities have special needs that cannot be addressed with general education curriculum modifications in a traditional prekindergarten-12th grade environment (Heward, 2006). It is essential that expert teachers with specialized educational background and training are prepared to adapt daily lessons to accommodate…