A Guide to Writing the Physical Education IEP: You Got This!

Students with qualifying disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA, 2004). An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that maps out the students’ educational program, including any specially designed instruction and supports needed to create access to the general education curriculum–including any specially designed (adapted) physical education (PE), if needed. Many PE teachers do not have the knowledge and skills to be involved in the IEP process, which further marginalizes PE and children with disabilities in need of quality PE experiences. The purpose of this article is to guide teachers in the IEP writing process.