The Syllabus Is a Living Document: An Examination of Introductory Adapted Physical Education Syllabi

Abstract

Physical education college preparation programs continue to require only one adapted physical education (APE) course. Due to the importance of the one APE course often provided to preservice physical education, this study investigated the status of introductory APE courses across the United States. A content analysis of the course descriptions and objectives was completed on 30 syllabi from introductory APE courses, and descriptive information from the syllabi was collected. The most common topics covered included intellectual disability (n = 21), physical disability (n = 21), and assessment (n = 20). The content analysis revealed four area of emphasis: (1) disability characteristics, (2) teaching strategies, (3) advocating for individuals with disabilities, and (4) history and legislation. Further research needs to determine faculty’s rationale behind the content they choose to cover and the effectiveness of physical education teacher training programs in preparing future physical educators to teach students with disabilities.