What's New In Adapted Physical Education

This episode featured a discussion between three emeritus professors in the APE space on the past, present, and future of APE. Dr. Garth Tymeson worked as a professor of APE at the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse. Dr. Dale Ulrich is a retired professor from the University of Michigan that created the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) that evaluates the gross motor function of children. Finally, Dr. Barry Lavay is a leader in the APE space and worked as a professor at California State University Long Beach. They began by discussing laws and regulations that shaped the field into what it is today, such as creating a separate certification for APE teachers. Others highlighted that often it was debated whether children with disabilities should participate in physical activity, let alone receiving a APE curriculum. At that time, there was no available literature, no assessment or curriculum materials, and very little equipment, which posed both unique challenges and opportunities to adapt and be creati