Adapted PE
Category: Orthopedic Impairments

I have a student on my caseload who has osteogenesis imperfecta. The physical education provider (a contracted provider, but not credentialed) does not welcome this student in her class. This student is very intelligent, advocates for himself very well, and has good motor skills. Am I correct in assuming that this student can and should be in his general physical education class with his peers? I have provided appropriate equipment, have given adaptations for those units that involve impact, etc. I have handed out the excellent articles and help-sheets. I have the parent's support, as well as the principal's. What else can I do aside from attending every physical education class with the student?

NO teacher can unilaterally change what the IEP committee has decided with respect to placement. Even in extreme situations where safety of other kids is an issue, it takes more procedurally than for a teacher to "change placement". It is also not appropriate for the teacher to make it hard for the IEP to be honored...this is a school administration issue.

The supporting principal has an obligation to make sure that educational rights are afforded based on the intent of the law and what is on the IEP. I apologize (but given my own experiences and not knowing your principal), but I question your principal's "presence" (meaning his or her ability to influence a positive school climate) in the school if a teacher is "calling the shots" on this sort of thing.

But, I also know how school culture goes having taught for almost ten years and see how hard it can be to get folks to "climb on board" with this IDEA stuff, particularly in physical education.

From an attitudinal standpoint, you cannot change attitudes and such in folks quickly, particularly if they are poorly trained. Training and perceived competence by folks seems to be what predicts positive attitudes. This training issue is one that I would use if I were the principal and had the leverage.

Perhaps this teacher just does not have enough teaching confidence and skill to deal with diverse students. It sounds like your teacher has no idea about what physical education means and that we want all kids to become life long learners and movers. Accepting diversity in our classes makes it easier for all kids to learn and does not only benefit the student in question.

Stick to the IEP, document your efforts and in the end, the parents have legal remedies if they feel the child's IEP is not being properly carried out. Changing folk's minds about what is right, wrong, and even the intent of a law is a tough one. If we could do this we would not have bullies in schools, racism, gender bias, and a host of other issues that just shut the system down. I wish you luck and feel; and, that I have probably not been able to give you much. Keep trying and sometimes kids have a way of changing the system with their positive attitudes and persistence where adults may not.

References

Last modified date: 9/14/2010

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