Adapted physical education is physical education that is adapted to meet the needs of students with disabilities. This can occur in integrated schools settings with peers without disabilities, self-contained settings with only children with disabilities, or a host of other settings in between. Here at Old Dominion University, we offer three graduate-level programs with emphasis in Physical Education, designed to enhance students' understanding of how to effectively instruct students with disabilities in that area.
Programs
Graduate Certificate
Adapted Physical Education
The adapted physical education certificate program is aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of pre-service and in-service physical education teachers regarding teaching students with disabilities. Those completing this four-course sequence will receive a graduate certificate in adapted physical education from Old Dominion University. All completed courses in this program can be applied to the master's level program, should students gain interest in pursuing that graduate level program.
Master of Science in Education
Physical Education (Adapted Physical Education Concentration)
Those completing this program, and required practicum experiences, will be eligible to sit for the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) exam and qualify for Certified Adapted Physical Educators (CAPE) certification. This program culminates with a master's thesis project where students conduct original research pertaining to physical activity for youth with disabilities.
Doctor of Philoshopy in Education
Concentration in Human Movement Sciences - Health and Sport Pedagogy (PhD)
In the Health and Sport Pedagogy emphasis of the doctoral program, students may select to focus their studies and research in the area of adapted physical education. The doctoral program is designed to prepare individuals for academic positions in departments of physical education/ kinesiology at universities and colleges. Research, scholarship, and leadership opportunities are emphasized throughout the program. Upon completion of the program, individuals will be prepared to assume leadership positions in the fields of physical education and adapted physical education.
Faculty
Mighty Monarchs Adapted Sport Program
The Mighty Monarchs Adapted Sports Program is a community-based adapted sports program for youth with physical disabilities and visual impairments. Held on the campus of ODU, this program offers the opportunity for youth to participate in adapted sports (e.g., wheelchair basketball, judo, goalball), on a bi-weekly basis, throughout the school year. The mission of the Mighty Monarchs Adapted Sports program is to empower youth with physical disabilities and visual impairments to be physically activity members of their schools and communities. For information about meeting times and dates, please contact either Justin A. Haegele or Betsy Kennedy.
Adapted Physical Education at a Glance
Accredited by CAEP
Special Education and Health & Physical Education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation for Education Preparation (CAEP). The Virginia Standards of Technology for Instructional Personnel are also satisfied within the coursework.