Who is Qualified to Teach Adapted Physical Education?

The APE teacher is a direct service provider, not a related service provider, because physical education for children with disabilities is a federally mandated component of special education services [U.S.C.A. 1402 (25)].   

Adapted physical educators provide APE instruction and services to students with disabilities who qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (commonly referred to as [IDEA]; IDEA, 2004). They also provide APE services to students who receive accommodations and services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973). They may also provide assistance to physical educators and athletic coaches making reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act ([ADA]; ADA, 1990).  

This means that physical education needs to be provided to the student with a disability as part of the special education services that child and family receive. This is contrasted with physical therapy and occupational therapy, which are related services. These therapies are provided to the child with disabilities only if he/she needs them to benefit from instruction. 

The services provided by an APE teacher include (adapted from Sherrill, 1998):

• Planning services

• Assessment of Individuals /Ecosystems

• Prescription/Placement: The IEP

• Teaching/Counseling/Coaching

• Evaluation of Services

• Coordination of Resources and Consulting

• Advocacy

Qualifications for a Hiring an Adapted PE Teacher

If specially designed instruction, such as adapted physical education (APE), is required in a student's Individual Education Program (IEP), then the services must be provided by a qualified teacher.  

A certified physical educator is legally qualified to provide adapted physical education for students who require specialized physical education as defined in the IEP. 

While Adapted Physical Education (APE) certification is not currently mandated in the State of Illinois, it is highly recommended that physical education teachers pursue advanced training in this area. This may include obtaining an additional certification in APE or earning a graduate degree in Kinesiology or Physical Education with a focus on adapted physical education. Such continued professional development ensures educators are better equipped to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.

NIU is one university that offers both certificates.  Please follow this link for more information.

Adapted Physical Education - Certificate in Graduate Study at NIU 

REQUIREMENTS:  12 Graduate credits

• KNPE 578 - Seminar in Motor Development Credits: 3

• KNPE 589 - Inclusion Strategies for Special Populations: Theory and Practice Credits: 3

• KNPE 590 - Physical Education for Individuals with Physical and Sensory Disorders Credits: 3

• KNPE 591 - Assessment and Program Planning in Adapted Physical Education Credits: 3

M.S. in Kinesiology and Physical Education

Gain expertise and career flexibility in exercise science program development and delivery.

Why a National Standard for Adapted Physical Education?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (P.L. 101-476; more commonly referred to as IDEA) mandates free and appropriate public education services for all children with disabilities. This federal law, and all of its prior iterations from P.L. 94-142 enacted in 1975 to the current IDEA legislation, state that these services must be provided by “qualified professionals.” Physical education, singled out as a core component of special education by IDEA, must also be provided by such an individual.  Although physical education, specially designed if necessary (i.e., adapted physical education), was specifically addressed at the federal level, the State Educational Agencies are given the responsibility to interpret the term “qualified professionals” within their respective states.

 APENS Alignment with Other National Standards

The National Board Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is an organization nationally recognized for their peer-reviewed performance-based assessment process of determining accomplished teachers. It is a respected credential in many States throughout the United States of America. The NBPTS identifies 16 disciplines with specific standards for each area. Physical education is the discipline that aligns closely with APENS. The comparison between the two sets of standards relates the shared rigor needed to achieve the high level of knowledge and performance that awards professionals with the recognition. You can learn more about the alignment here.