1. Adapted Physical Education Referral Process: Prosper ISD
Vinne Pokornowski & Justin McCullick
Adapted Physical Educators

2. What is Adapted Physical Education (APE)
Physical Education, as defined by IDEIA (2004), includes the development of the student in the areas of:
Physical and Motor Fitness
Fundamental Motor Skills and Patterns
Aquatics
Dance
Individual and Group Games/Team Sports
Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

3. What is Adapted Physical Education (APE)
Adapted Physical Education (APE) is a Instructional Service where the student can receive either Direct or Consultation services.
These services can take place in a variety of educational settings.
Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

4. Purpose of APE Referrals
To identify students with delays in physical and gross motor performance.
To ensure that each student receives the most appropriate physical education program in the Least Restrictive Environment.
We need to ensure that every attempt has been made to allow the student to find success in the general physical education setting.
Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

5. Steps for an APE Referral
Screening requested by a professional who recognizes that a student may have significant physical and gross motor delays compared to their age-related peers.
Screening Form completed by the referring professional.
APE Teacher will observe the referred student and collaborate with the professional who made the referral.
Recommendation provided to Case manager/Diagnostician (e.g., no further assessment or formal assessment).
Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

6. Screening Request
Screening form can be completed by any professional or individual with knowledge of the student. For example:
General PE Teacher
Classroom Teacher
Diagnostician
If an APE Assessment is requested directly from an ARD/IEP committee meeting, the screening is not needed. A formal assessment must be completed at that time.
Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

7. Screening by the Referring Teacher
Referring Teacher should note areas of concern in the following areas related to physical education:
Motor Movement
Cognitive Development
Affective Development
Motor and Physical Fitness
Mobility Skills
Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

8. Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

9. General APE Observations
Observations will occur in a variety of settings:
General Physical Education
Classroom
Recess
In addition to observations, discussions with General Physical Educator and/or classroom teacher will also occur.
It is very important that the student is functioning safely and successfully in their current environment.
Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

10. Screening Recommendations
Based on the screening, four recommendations are suggested:
The student is functioning within acceptable limits in GE and does not need any further assessment.
The student is able to be included in GE class with appropriate support by the GE and/or consultation services by the APE.
The student appears to be experiencing difficulty in the area(s) indicated above and will need further assessment by the APE for appropriate placement with some type of special services.
The student can benefit from activities provided by the classroom teacher.
Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

11. Guidelines for Eligibility for APE Services
Results of physical and/or gross motor assessments.
Psychomotor, cognitive, and affective factors that would impact the student’s ability to successfully participate in general physical education curriculum and environment.
Meets the TEA age and state graduation requirements for physical education or requirements stipulated by the ARD/IEP committee.
Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

12. Guidelines for Eligibility for APE Services
Ability of the student to benefit from an APE program, including considerations such as:
Ability to understand cause and effect
Capacity for voluntary movement
Ability to interact with another person
Ability for a valid and reliable assessment to be performed
Silliman-French & Buswell, 2008

13. Questions?

14. Contact Information
Justin McCullick
Vinne Pokornowski

15. Reference
Silliman-French, L. & Buswell, D. (Eds.). (2008). TAHPERD: Adapted physical education manual of best practices: Administrative guidelines and policies (2nd ed.). Austin, TX: TAHPERD.