North Carolina state law requires physical education for all students. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), adapted physical education is required for those students with disabilities who require specially designed instruction in order to receive physical education.

Presently, there are 8 adapted physical education teachers serving more than 450 students with exceptional needs in Guilford County Schools. They provide services that are curriculum based, prescriptive and student centered.  Moreover, they work collaboratively with other school professionals (occupational therapists, physical therapists, classroom teachers, physical education teachers, administrators, etc.) to effectively meet the needs of the students they serve.

Adapted physical educators focus on:

• physical and motor fitness;
• fundamental motor skills and patterns; and
• skills in individual and group games, sports, and activities including intramural and life-time sports.

Adapted Physical Education 101

For additional information about adapted physical education visit  North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.