Adapted PE
Category: Laws/Policies

My son receives adapted physical education from his regular Lifeskills classroom teacher who is not certified to teach PE or coach. Is this legal or proper? I am trying to get the school to have someone with "training" teach my son and the school district is not willing.

I suggest you contact your Department of Education, as each state sets the criteria for which endorsements / certifications / licenses are needed to teach. However, in general, if the IEP states that the student will receive adapted physical education, then this is done by an adapted physical educator. However, not all states have recognized or put in place for adapted physical educators. For instance, in Michigan, special education teachers are K-12 certified in all subjects. Thus, these teachers may teach their own students physical education. However, if the IEP states APE the classroom teacher is not qualified to teach this student.

Last modified date: 9/14/2010

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