Implementing a Peer Assistance Program in Elementary PE Program

Target Audience: This course has been designed for and PK-5 physical education teachers that have experienced challenges integrating low performers who do not qualify for adapted PE services. This course could also be modified to meet the needs of middle and high school PE classes.

Course Purpose/Objectives:The purpose of the course is to provide a step-by-step plan for elementary physical educators who wish to enhance the physical education experience through implementation of peer assistants. Often times there are students who do not qualify for adapted physical education but still have needs and find the regular physical education class challenging. This course would provide ideas and methods necessary to tailor a peer assistance program for their physical education programs in order to meet the needs of low performers.

Course Description: The benefits of physical education are astounding and for those students who have physical, cognitive, emotional, sensory and social needs, additional time in physical education is vital. Implementing a peer assistance program meets the needs of low performers whether they qualify for adapted physical education or not. There is also tremendous benefit to the older peer assistants. This course will help provide the teacher with the rationale needed for the program, benefits, background preparations, advocacy tips to get school leaders, classroom teachers and parents on board as well as ideas to implement the PE curriculum during the school year.

Course Goals & Objectives:

• To understand the benefits of physical education for students with physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs.
• To understand how to advocate to a school leader, classroom teacher and parent for the program.
• To learn the necessary preparations needed to implement the program (permissions, logistics, scheduling and matching of peer assistants).
• To implement assessment and tracking of students.
• To plan modified lessons to support the existing physical education curriculum.
• To learn about reflection and communication with stake holders (principal, teacher, student and families).

Standards Aligned:

This course addresses the following standards:

Source: SHAPE America National Standards for K-12 Physical Education (2016).

Standard 1- The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

Standard 2- The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance.

Standard 3- The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.

Standard 4- The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.

Standard 5- The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.