Phys Ed: A Requirement
for Your Child's Special Education Program

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In This Issue . . .

Circulation: 82,883
ISSN: 1538-320

November 16, 2010

Did you know that if your child has a disability and an IEP, IDEA requires the school to provide physical education as part of your child's special education program?

Often parents write us saying they feel their child is left out of PE or recess. Problems also occur when teachers don't know how to include a child with disabilities in physical education.

Because PE is a required component of special education, your child's physical education teacher should be included as a member of the IEP team.

In this issue of the Special Ed Advocate, you will learn the IDEA definition of physical education and the requirements for instruction in PE. Find out about Adapted Physical Education (APE), when it is appropriate for your child, and national standards for APE instruction.

Please don't hesitate to forward this issue to other friends, families, or colleagues.

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New Page! Physical Education and Adapted PE

If your child cannot be included in regular physical education, an effort must be made to involve him using supplementary aids and services or through adapted physical education.

For articles, information, and resources go to our new page on Physical Education (PE) and Adapted Physical Education (APE).

Learn about the national standards for adapted physical education and how we can ensure that all students who qualify for specially designed physical education services receive instruction from a "qualified" teacher.

 
Common Misconceptions about PE for Kids with Disabilities
  • Physical education cannot be the only special education service on the IEP. TRUE / FALSE
  • Adapted physical education teachers live in the gymnasium and are not involved in the IEP Process. TRUE / FALSE
  • Instructional assistants/paraprofessionals are not part of the physical education program. TRUE / FALSE

Watch the video video iconHealthy, Physically Fit, and Ready for Action. Learn about all aspects of adapted physical education: definition, legislative issues, assessment, service delivery, quality of instruction, and the truth about the top 10 misconceptions about PE for kid with disabilities.

 
Equivalent Athletic Programs for Students with Special Needs

Athlete Sues for Right to Compete; State Passes Athletics Equity Law

Under the Fitness and Athletic Equity Act for Students with Disabilities passed in 2008, Maryland public schools are required to provide students with disabilities the opportunity to try out and play on mainstream school sports teams.

 
Why You Need to Ask "Dumb" Questions

I was so "dumb" that when my daughter was in first grade, her father or I went to school every day she was scheduled for physical education so we could remove her from activities that were contraindicated for her physical condition.

I was so "dumb" I didn't know there was such a thing as adaptive physical education, or that the school had to make accommodations for her disability and modifications to the curriculum.

Read Advocate Pat Howey's explanation of Why You Need to Ask "Dumb" Questions.

 
5 W's + H + E Questions

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy

How do you become informed, educated parent advocates for your children when information is withheld or not provided?

Ask questions. Lots and lots of questions. Learn about the 5 W's + H + E questions.

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy urges parents to ask "Who? What? Why? When? Where? How? and Explain?"

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Great Products From Wrightslaw

Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition, by Pam and Pete Wright Wrightslaw: All About IEPs

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