Supports and Services: Adapted Physical EducationThe mission of the Adapted Physical Education program is to utilize diverse teaching strategies to implement a standards based physical education curriculum of movement skill and knowledge for students with disabilities; and to provide activities that foster a positive self-image, encourage personal and social development, while promoting the benefits of a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle for all children.

Adapted Physical Education is a diversified program of developmental gross motor activities, games, sports, and rhythms suited to the interests, capacities and limitations of students
with disabilities who may not safely and/or successfully engage in unrestricted participation in the vigorous activities of the general physical education program, modified general physical education program or in a specially designed physical education program in a special day program . Services are based on need and not generalizations from categorical conditions.

DEFINITION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students. unless excused or exempted under terms specified in the California Education Code (section 51241) are required to have an appropriate physical education program. Several types of physical education program are available to students. including adapted physical education:

General Physical Education is the District's adopted curriculum for physical education. It includes the full spectrum of game. sport. fitness. and movement activities. No adaptations or modifications are required for safe and successful participation. Physical Education is defined as the development of:

1. physical and motor fitness
2. fundamental motor skills and patterns
3. skills in individual and group games and sports.

These classes are designed for all students who are able to benefit from participation. This is the least restrictive placement for individuals «with special needs.

Modified Physical Education is participation within a general physical education program with modifications such as:

1. modifying activities through rule changes to equalize competition,
2. permitting the substitution or interchange of game and/or activity duties by analyzing and assigning positions in games in accordance with the abilities of the student,
3. modifying facilities by limiting play area when movement capabilities are restricted.
4. modifying equipment used as to size and weight to vary speed and performance standards.
5. allow for variable time scheduling: (1) to provide extra time, (2) to allow students to rest.

Specially Designed Physical Education is the physical education curriculum that is designed for the students who cannot benefit from the general physical education program and are placed in a class whereby modifications are made for the entire class. Modifications mentioned above (1-5) can he used as guidelines

ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION SERVICE DELIVERY MODELS

Adapted Physical Education can he any of the following:

1. Direct Services: designates direct physical education services provided by an adapted physical education specialist to students who have special needs, as indicated by an assessment and evaluation of motor skills performance and other areas of need.
2. Collaboration: designates services provided and/or implemented jointly with other school staff members to assist students in meeting indi\ idealized goals and objectives through all of the physical education options described. Services may be provided in a way intended to lead students progressively through various types of physical education options or in a way that combines elements of various options to meet the students' individual needs.
3. Consultation: designates assistance given to parents. general and special education teachers. or general physical education teachers who conduct the general, modified, or specially designed physical education program options. Assistance may include suggestions for individualizing instruction by making modifications or adaptations, and identification of supplementary devices or teaching aids to facilitate skill development by individuals with exceptional needs.

ROLE OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

1. Instruct students in the development of skills and knowledge that enables them to participate independently to the highest degree possible, based on assessment needs.
2. Provide consultation and support services including in-service training to regular & special education teachers. school personnel and peers concerning Adapted Physical Education needs and appropriate methods of adaptation for the student that will foster maximum independence and safety.
3. Works with members of the IEP team (i.e. parents, classroom teachers. speech providers. occupational & physical therapists, orientation & mobility and vision specialists) to provide a functional and meaningful program.
4. Create a program geared to the assessed needs. goal & objectives, functional levels and motivational levels of the student.
5. Prepare and utilize equipment and materials for the development of skill as it is related to Adapted Physical Education (,i.e. beeper balls. sponge balls, batting tees. etc.)
6. Conduct assessment. which focuses on both long and short-term needs of the student.

CONSIDERATIONS

1. Student should he able to understand and respond to simple language and one step commands.
2. Conduct assessment. which focuses on both long and short-term needs of the student. Student has behaviors that will not interfere with the safety of the student or of other students/individuals or interfere with the student's ability to learn.

PROGRAM COMPLETION CRITERIA

Dismissal from Adapted Physical Education shall be determined if any of the following applies:

1. Applicable goals have been met or student has progressed and met all his/ her need
2. Student shows lack of progress within a reasonable length of time.
3. Lack of support lirom student or others that prevents the student from using skills taught.
4. Secondary age student has met the physical education requirement (barring health issues that indicate continued services are necessary to maintain quality of life).

CONTACT INFORMATION

Adapted Physical Education
Beaudry Building - 16th Floor
333 South Beaudry
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213-241-8052 Fax: 213-24 1-8434