Adapted Physical Education (APE)

Contact:

Scott Krause, APE Lead Teacher
(619) 628-3857
Scott.Krausse@sweetwaterschools.org

As written in the Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools, Adapted Physical Education is, “A physical education program designed to meet the unique needs of an individual with a disability who is unable to fully participate in the general physical education program.” The course is intended for students with one or more of the 14 permanent disabilities specified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-2004).  These include the following: Autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, developmental delay, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment, including blindness.  Because of the wide range of abilities of the students enrolled in the class, Adapted Physical Education instruction and content is individualized.  This gives students the opportunity to be safe and successful in physical education.  Students learn and apply motor skills in in rhythms/dance, individual/dual activities, combative, gymnastic/tumbling, and team activities.  These may include volleyball, basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, team handball, floor hockey, ultimate Frisbee, Frisbee golf, handball, racquet sports, track and field, and recreational games.

Students in Adapted Physical Education develop physical fitness.  The components of fitness including: cardiovascular endurance, muscle endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, are all addressed.  Emphasis is placed on students developing personalized fitness goals for a healthy life style and meeting the requirements for the FITNESSGRAM.  In addition, students are empowered to make choices, meet challenges and develop positive behaviors in fitness, wellness and movement activity for a lifetime.

Sports and physical activities are adapted to meet the needs of the students.  Adaptations can include the following: Using a different space for the activity; changing grouping; giving instructions in different modalities; changing game rules; using different equipment.Location: District wide. Service is provided at home school sites for students.

Location: District wide.  Service is provided at home school sites for students.