PE Teachers Needed: Participate in Important IEP Research

Advocacy · By Matt Barker (Digit the APE), Adapted Physical Education specialist

Published · Updated

PE Teachers Needed: Participate in Important IEP Research

If you're a physical education or adapted physical education teacher, this is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that directly impacts our field.

If you're a physical education or adapted physical education teacher, this is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that directly impacts our field.

A research study conducted through Southern Connecticut State University is exploring the involvement of physical educators in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process—an area that is often overlooked but critically important for ensuring students receive appropriate and inclusive physical education services.

Why This Matters

Physical education is a vital component of a student's education, yet PE teachers are not always fully included in IEP planning and decision-making. Your input can help:

  • Highlight the current role of PE teachers in the IEP process
  • Identify gaps in collaboration and inclusion
  • Inform future policy, training, and best practices
  • Advocate for stronger representation of PE in special education

This is exactly the type of data our field needs to continue pushing forward for better inclusion and recognition.

Who Should Participate

  • Physical Education and/or Adapted Physical Education teachers
  • Currently working in PK–12 school settings
  • Working with students who receive special education services

What’s Involved

Participation includes:

  • A 15–30 minute anonymous survey
  • Optional 15–30 minute follow-up interview

The survey is quick, straightforward, and your responses will directly contribute to improving practices in adapted and general physical education.

Take the Survey

You can complete the survey directly below:

If the survey does not load, you can access it directly here:
https://scsu.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8G2WmmiBmqUwy7s

Questions?

For more information about the study, contact:
Dr. Michael K. Laughlin
Southern Connecticut State University
Phone: (203) 392-7246
Email: laughinlm3@southernct.edu

Your voice matters. Take a few minutes to help strengthen the role of physical education in the IEP process.

Topics: iep research, adapted pe, pe teachers, inclusive education, special education research, physical education research, iep implementation, teacher participation