VIDBE-Q 2026 Volume 71 Issue 3
appropriate instruction, and student assessment. These components provide the
framework for developing comprehensive programs that help all students
develop health-related fitness, physical competence, cognitive understanding,
and positive attitudes about physical activity, enabling them to adopt healthy
and physically active lifestyles. Physical educators must assess their program
based on these components and make changes as needed to increase the
quality of program being offered to all students, which will assist with the
successful integration of students with disabilities. In addition, it is important
to note that IDEIA (2004) defines physical education as:
The development of physical and motor fitness, fundamental motor skills
and patterns, and skills in aquatics, dance, and individual and group
games and sports, including intramural and lifetime sports. This
definition includes special physical education, adapted physical
education, movement education, and motor development [section
300.39(b)(2)].
Adapted physical education represents specially designed instruction that has
been modified to be appropriate for students with disabilities. Adapted physical
education is a comprehensive service for students with disabilities who require
additional support. Adapted physical education services encompass assessment
of students to determine qualification of services which include prescription,
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