It is ADAPTED not ADAPTIVE Physical Education

I have been teaching Adapted Physical Education for almost 25 years in California.   To this day, I find it so amazing that I am frequently having to correct and explain to administration that it is ADAPTED not ADAPTIVE.  You may ask why? Is there is a difference? Is it a big deal? Yes and Yes it is. 

I have a general physical education credential and a supplemental credential for Adapted Physical Education.   In California, APE services can only be provided by a credentialled APE teacher.   As I mentioned, I have been credentialled for almost 25 years so you would think this mistake referring to APE as Adaptive and not Adapted would be something of the past and rarely happen anymore.  On the contrary, to me it seems to be happening more and more, and recently as this week.   

I currently teach APE virtually working for multiple agencies that provide services to many private and charter schools.  I also have worked in the public school system as well.  So, I am sharing my experience with many schools, districts, and administrations.  

Where and when do I see this?   Let me begin with; job opportunities are posted as “Adaptive” rather than “Adapted”.  I rarely see this position correctly posted.  I am amazed that this seems to be the norm and it is overlooked.  Yes, it does take someone to speak up and make the correction and inform the HR departments to post the position with the correct title.   For me, and I know other APE teachers have commented to me that this as a red flag.   It does come across as a concern and question “Does this school or district understand or value the purpose and objectives of adapted physical education?”   I know that may sound extreme however, I have been in this field almost 25 years and I know what I have dealt with dealing with administration.  For example: I had a principal comment after an IEP, “It’s just PE, can’t believe the parent had so many questions?” or being told by a special ed director that I did not have to attend the IEP meeting ???… just a couple highlights or should I say “lowlights” I have experienced over the years.   

The other document that I see APE services incorrectly named is on IEPs.  Again, far too often, I see I am listed as an Adaptive PE Teacher and services “Adaptive”.    I do understand that it is mainly APE teachers that see this red flag and we understand that there is difference, however it needs to be addressed and corrected.   Which brings me to why I chose to write about this.   We as adapted pe teachers need to speak up and educate others about what we do.  It seems whether you are teaching general ed or adapted pe there is always a need to advocate for our profession and this is an issue I believe is one not to overlook.   I understand that this is not easy and sometimes you opt to just “let it go”.  However, if we do not speak up and make the correction, no one will. 

SO….WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?   

Adapted physical education (APE) is physical education that has been adapted or modified to meet the individual needs of each person with a disability.  I specifically explain to teachers, administration, and parents that I am teaching the state physical education standards, and I am adapting as needed to meet the needs of the student to be successful to meet each standard.  

Here is the Legal info:  

(Taken from the California Revised APE Guidelines that I help write.)

California Law 

As at the federal level, several laws, education codes and regulations govern education at the state level. In California, adapted physical education is defined in the California Code of Regulations, CCR, Title 5, under Sec. 3051.5(a) and is listed as a designated instruction and service (DIS) and a related service in California Education Code Section 56363 (a) and (b)(5). 

Adapted physical education as defined in 5 CCR Sec. 3051.5 (a) Adapted physical education is for individuals with exceptional needs who require developmental or corrective instruction and who are precluded from participation in the activities of the general physical education program, modified general physical education program, or in a specially designed physical education program in a special class. Consultative services may be provided to pupils, parents, teachers, or other school personnel for the purpose of identifying supplementary aids and services or modifications necessary for successful participation in the regular physical education program or specially designed physical education programs. 

ADAPTED VS. ADAPTIVE: 

The physical education program is ADAPTED to meet the needs of each student through modifications and accommodations. 

ADAPTIVE:  *****The student is not required to adapt to the conditions of the program as would be implied with ADAPTIVE physical education as in adaptive behaviors. 

I do hope helps with clarifying the difference and encourage you if you see APE titled Adaptive you will speak up and educate and advocate for ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION.