Occupation AtlasAdapted Physical Education Specialists

O*NET · 25-2059.01

Adapted Physical Education Specialists

Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments.

Also called Adapted Aquatics Instructor · Adapted Fitness Professional · Adapted Physical Activity Specialist · Adapted Physical Education Aide · Adapted Physical Educator · Adaptive PE Specialist · Adaptive PE Specialist (Adaptive Physical Education Specialist) · Adaptive PE Teacher
24 more

Adaptive PE Teacher (Adaptive Physical Education Teacher) · Adaptive Physical Educator · Adaptive Skills Educator · APE Consultant · APE Consultant (Adapted Physical Education Consultant) · APE Instructional Specialist · APE Instructional Specialist (Adapted Physical Education Instructional Specialist) · APE Teacher · APE Teacher (Adapted Physical Education Teacher) · Autism Motor Specialist · Certified Adapted Physical Educator · Certified Adaptive Physical Educator · DAPE Specialist · DAPE Specialist (Developmental Adapted Physical Education Specialist) · DAPE Teacher · DAPE Teacher (Developmental Adapted Physical Education Teacher) · Developmental Physical Educator · Movement Education Specialist · PE Provider · PE Provider (Physical Education Provider) · PE Specialist · PE Specialist (Physical Education Specialist) · PE Teacher · PE Teacher (Physical Education Teacher)

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code SCR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SCRSocial · Conventional · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social7.00
  • C Conventional4.17
  • R Realistic4.12
  • I Investigative3.65
  • A Artistic2.46
  • E Enterprising1.88

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree46%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate23%
  • Master's Degree27%
  • Doctor's Degree - Research/Scholarship5%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (32%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (27%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (27%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • InstructingImportance 4.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
Show the other 23

Tasks

20 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Provide adapted physical education services to students with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, or other disabling condition.Importance 5.0
  2. Provide students positive feedback to encourage them and help them develop an appreciation for physical education.Importance 4.9
  3. Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.Importance 4.9
  4. Instruct students, using adapted physical education techniques, to improve physical fitness, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, or sports and game achievement.Importance 4.9
  5. Write reports to summarize student performance, social growth, or physical development.Importance 4.7
  6. Evaluate the motor needs of individual students to determine their need for adapted physical education services.Importance 4.7
  7. Establish and maintain standards of behavior to create safe, orderly, and effective environments for learning.Importance 4.7
  8. Adapt instructional techniques to the age and skill levels of students.Importance 4.7
  9. Collaborate with other educational personnel to provide inclusive activities or programs for children with disabilities.Importance 4.7
  10. Prepare lesson plans in accordance with individualized education plans (IEPs) and the functional abilities or needs of students.Importance 4.6
  11. Maintain thorough student records to document attendance, participation, or progress, ensuring confidentiality of all records.Importance 4.6
  12. Assist in screening or placement of students in adapted physical education programs.Importance 4.6
Show the other 8
  1. Write or modify individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with intellectual or physical disabilities.Importance 4.5
  2. Communicate behavioral observations and student progress reports to students, parents, teachers, or administrators.Importance 4.5
  3. Assess students' physical progress or needs.Importance 4.5
  4. Discuss with education professionals the physical abilities or disabilities of students and the accommodations required to enhance their school performance.Importance 4.5
  5. Attend in-service training, workshops, or meetings to keep abreast of current practices or trends in adapted physical education.Importance 4.4
  6. Review adapted physical education programs or practices to ensure compliance with government or other regulations.Importance 4.0
  7. Request or order physical education equipment, following standard procedures.Importance 3.7
  8. Maintain inventory of instructional equipment, materials, or aids.Importance 3.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.8Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Design a training program for new employees
  • PsychologyImportance 4.0Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • English LanguageImportance 3.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
Show all 33
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.3Level 2.8
  • MathematicsImportance 2.3Level 2.9
  • BiologyImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • DesignImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Fine ArtsImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • TransportationImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • PhysicsImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • MechanicalImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • GeographyImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.9
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.8
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  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • StaminaImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Manual DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.9
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.9
  • Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 2.9
  • Finger DexterityImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • VisualizationImportance 2.4Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response OrientationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.6Level 5.6
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.6Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.6Level 5.8
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.5Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.3Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.7Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Working with ComputersImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.6
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.7
  • Physical Proximity4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.5
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.4
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3
  • Spend Time Standing4.2
  • Spend Time Walking or Running4.1

Technology

11 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (5)
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • Individualized Educational Program IEP software
  • Student record software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.