Adaptive Physical Education (APE) Teacher

The Adaptive Physical Education Teacher helps students with disabilities build motor skills, physical fitness, confidence, and participation in physical education. This teacher assesses student needs, supports service eligibility determinations, and delivers individualized instruction aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Through collaboration with educators, therapists, and families, the teacher supports students’ physical, academic, and character development.

Responsibilities

Assessment and individualized planning

• Assess students’ motor skills and fitness levels to ensure that IEP present levels accurately reflect their abilities and needs.

• Evaluate students through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process for adaptive physical education services and reevaluate students currently receiving services.

• Develop and update annual IEP goals and objectives aligned with student needs, curriculum standards, and interventions that support classroom participation.

• Monitor student progress through observation, informal assessment, and consultation with classroom teachers.

• Participate in annual IEP meetings, as needed.

Instruction and service delivery

• Adapt physical education instruction, activities, and lesson plans to meet students’ individual needs and IEP goals.

• Provide weekly services as specified in student IEPs, including documented make-up sessions as needed and assigned.

• Provide consultation and implement services in inclusive settings, when appropriate.

• Establish a safe, supportive learning environment through effective student behavior management.

• Ensure teacher-to-student ratios in adaptive physical education courses comply with state requirements.

• Adhere to KIPP’s clinical standards of practice.

Collaboration and communication

• Collaborate with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and classroom teachers to coordinate services and maintain continuity across settings.

• Guide students, instructional assistants, families, and school staff in strategies that strengthen motor skills, participation in individual and group activities, and overall physical fitness.

• Maintain ongoing communication with special education facilitators and case managers regarding student needs, progress, and service delivery.