Dallas ISD’s Special Education Department has implemented Partner PE, an inclusionary Physical Education program designed to meet the unique needs of students with various disabilities, and its focus is peer teaching and individualized instruction.
Partner PE provides activities pairing age-appropriate general education (GENED) and special education (SPED) peers in an integrated setting at the secondary level. The class is taught by a certified physical education teacher and is established as a regular unit of instruction in the master schedule.
The purpose of the program is to encourage physical activity, increase knowledge of health and fitness strategies, and assist in the acquisition of individual lifetime recreation activities and/or skills associated with team sports.
Benefits for the selected partners include leadership development, interaction, and empathy for students with disabilities.
“The peers learn valuable leadership skills and empathy toward students with disabilities,” said Kelli Hackney, MS, Adapted Physical Education Lead. “It is a win-win for ALL students. Partner PE creates an inclusive environment that creates a lifetime of memories and friendships.”
Check out some photos of a Partner PE class in action at Seagoville High School in the above slideshow.
