Scheduled for Special Populations Symposium—Test Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities, Friday, April 2, 2004, 8:45 AM - 10:00 AM, Convention Center: 208


Law and Assessment of Students With Disabilities: Things a PE Teacher Should Know and Do

April Tripp, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL

The 1997 Amendments to IDEA shifted the focus to one of improving teaching and learning with a specific focus on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) as a primary tool for enhancing students' involvement and progress in the general curriculum. Effective assessment techniques are critical to the educational process in order for the teacher to accurately identify what students can and cannot do in relation to the general curriculum content. In addition, effective assessment tools and techniques provide accountability, clarify student expectations, support a safe learning environment, and assist in developing individual instructional goals. According to IDEA, when a student's disability affects their participation in physical education, the IEP must contain the student's present level of educational performance in physical education, including how the student's disability affects the child's involvement and progress in the general program. Effective assessments produce data that are valid, reliable, and useful in planning instruction. "Authentic Assessment" is the buzz-word in the school systems throughout the States and more and more educational agencies are implementing State and district-wide (LEA) assessment programs in physical education including the evaluation of motor skills and/or physical fitness. IDEA mandates that the State or LEA develop guidelines that indicate appropriate accommodations and modification in the administration of these assessments for participation of students with disabilities. The movement toward inclusion has had a large impact on physical education programs. Many physical educators are searching for ideas and information on how exactly they should be modifying tests for students with disabilities. Many teachers argue that the skills on the required tests have no "functional relevance" for students with disabilities. This presentation will provide an overview of the regulations of IDEA related to assessment in physical education, as well as, practical techniques teachers can use to insure effective assessment of students with disabilities in their general physical education program.
Keyword(s): adapted physical activity, assessment, measurement/evaluation

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