PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS IN EUROPE: FINDINGS OF THE EUSAPA PROJECT

Abstract

Adapted Physical Activity (APA) is a service delivery profession and an academic field of study This study describes outcomes of the European Standards in Adapted Physical Activity project in adapted physical education area. The differences in special education services, including Adapted Physical Education in the 10 project partner countries were identified. The academic standards in APE were defined in four parts: (1) professional competencies of physical education teachers; (2) occupation description of the of physical education teachers, (3) Functional Map in APE; and (4) Knowledge, Competence and Skills Framework in APE. Outcomes of the project with identified further recommendations for EU Commission were provided in order to promote implementation of inclusive education strategies for students with special education needs in physical education.