The Modified Physical Education Class: An Option for the Least Restrictive Environment

Abstract

Public Law 94-142, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (now The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), requires all children with disabilities to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The LRE requirement means that students with disabilities, to the maximum extent possible, should be educated in the general educational environment with their typically developing peers. The core content area of physical education is no exception. This article shares the benefits of implementing the “modified” placement as a viable option for LRE when providing adapted physical education for some children with disabilities.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lauren J. Lieberman

Lauren J. Lieberman ([email protected]) is a distinguished service professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education at The College at Brockport, State University of New York, in Brockport, NY. Lauren Cavanaugh is an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. Justin A. Haegele is an assistant professor in the Department of Human Movement Sciences at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. Rocco Aiello is a coordinator for Adapted Physical Education and Corollary Sports at St. Mary's County Public School in Leonardtown, MD. Wesley J. Wilson is a doctoral student in the Curry School of Education Department of Kinesiology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.