Adapted Physical Education (APE) is diversified program of developmental activities, games, sports, and rhythmical movements suited to the interests, capacities, and abilities of students with disabilities, who may not safely or successfully engage in unrestricted participation in the activities of the general physical education program.
Provision of APE is based on the same process of referral, assessment, and individual program planning that other special education services follow. An assessment and evaluation of motor skills performance is considered by the IEP team in determining how adapted physical education is to be delivered.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a physical education program in which activities and teaching methods are adapted to the specific strengths and needs of students with disabilities, who cannot safely and successfully participate in the general education physical education program without modifications. We strive to provide students with the skills and experiences to live healthy, active lives.
Ultimately, our desire is that each student’s life be enriched by participation in lifetime movement, recreation, leisure, and sport activities at home and in the community. We strive to give our students the skills and experiences to make that happen.
Adapted PE Teachers
Allison Goewey
Coach Allison is the Adapted PE Team Lead. She is in her 7th year with Leander ISD and her 3rd year in Adapted PE. She was previously an ICAP teacher for 8 years. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Special Education. Coach Allison and her husband celebrated the birth of their first baby in January 2024.
Current Schools Coach Allison services:
- Reed Elementary
- Cypress Elementary
- Faubion Elementary
- Cedar Park Middle School
- Cedar Park High School
Contact: [email protected]
Ryan Gough
Coach Ryan is in her 13th year with Leander ISD and her 12th year as an Adapted PE teacher. She is also the Head of Delegations for the Leander Lazers, the LISD Special Olympics team. Coach Ryan is a proud Lumberjack and graduate from Stephen F. Austin University. Her husband is also an Adapted PE teacher for Pflugerville ISD and together they have a very wonderful threenager.
Current schools Coach Ryan services:
- Bush Elementary
- Grandview Elementary
- River Place Elementary
- River Ridge Elementary
- Steiner Elementary
- Canyon Ridge Middle School
- Four Points Middle School
- Vandegrift High School
Contact: [email protected]
Makayla Baugh-Cheatham
Coach Makayla is in her 3rd year with Leander ISD and her 5th year as an Adapted PE teacher. Coach Makayla moved from Minnesota where she previously taught and attended college, but was born and raised in Wisconsin. Makayla recently got married to her husband Brandon and has a dog (Finn) and cat (Leo) at home.
Current schools Coach Makayla services:
- Bagdad Elementary
- Leander Middle School
- Parkside Elementary
- Pleasant Hill Elementary
- Rouse High School
- Whitestone Elementary
- Wiley Middle School
Contact: [email protected]
Charles Wilkerson
Coach W is in his 13th year with Leander ISD and his 2nd year as an Adapted PE teacher. Prior to APE, Coach W taught elementary PE for 17 years. He graduated from The University of Texas, HOOK EM! Coach W enjoys fishing and being outdoors.
Current Schools Coach W services:
- Tarvin Elementary
- Rutledge Elementary
- Akin Elementary
- Reagan Elementary
- Cox Elementary
- Stiles Middle School
- Henry Middle School
- Vista Ridge High School
Contact: [email protected]
Becca Smith
Coach Becca is in her 13th year with Leander ISD and her 1st year as an Adapted PE teacher. Prior to APE, Coach Becca taught in the elementary special education classroom for 16 years working with students with Autism. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Special Education and a masters in Educational Psychology, WHOOP! She has enjoyed volunteering with Special Olympics for over 20 years and is looking forward to the opportunity to finally get to coach!
Current schools Coach Becca services:
- Camacho Elementary
- Hisle Elementary
- Larkspur Elementary
- North Elementary
- Plain Elementary
- Danielson Middle School
- Glenn High School
Contact: [email protected]
Eric Cavalli
Coach Eric is in his 1st year with Leander ISD and his 3rd year as an Adapted PE teacher. Prior to joining Leander ISD, Coach Eric ran the APE program in Manor ISD for two years and taught 10th grade World History at Del Valle High School for 5 years. He loves spending time outdoors with his wife, Eleyna, and service dog, Firefly.
Current schools Coach Eric services:
- Block House Creek Elementary
- Giddens Elementary
- Knowles Elementary
- Mason Elementary
- Whitestone Elementary
- Winkley Elementary
- Running Brushy Middle School
- Leander High School
Contact: [email protected]
Firefly
Firefly is a 9-year-old service dog with 7 years of experience supporting Coach Eric. With a background in Adapted Physical Education, Firefly excels at providing both physical and emotional assistance. Her warm and caring nature makes her particularly skilled at comforting those who are feeling down. Firefly is a true companion with a big heart, always eager to lend a paw. When she’s not hard at work, she loves indulging in her favorite activities—enjoying delicious treats and playing frisbee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does my child/student receive Adapted Physical Education (APE) Services?
APE services are initiated through the referral process. Parents can request a referral for an assessment for their child at an Individual Education Plan Committee (IEP) meeting/ARD. Consent to conduct an assessment must be obtained from a parent or guardian.
Assessment of a student’s gross motor capabilities may include gathering information from a variety of sources: observations, standardized tests, consultation with other service providers, and review of records. Assessments are conducted by Adapted Physical Educators. After the assessment, the ARD committee determines eligibility and appropriate placement.
How long will my student receive APE services?
A student may be eligible for Adapted PE until evaluation determines that there is not a need for services, or if they have received the required Physical Education credit in high school.
Does LISD provide direct services to students in the General Education setting?
Direct service can be provided in the general education physical education setting when the assessment determines that this is the appropriate setting for learning skills, and when the student needs are being met in this environment.
What is the difference between direct APE services and indirect (consult) APE services?
Direct service is when an adapted physical educator works with the student directly in the classroom or in small group instruction. Indirect service is when an adapted physical educator works with the student’s teachers and staff to best serve the student in the least restrictive learning environment.
If my child receives APE services, will they still go to General Education PE?
Yes, our students who receive any type of APE service will still typically go to general education PE. There are special circumstances where general education PE is not the appropriate placement for a student.
What is the difference between APE and PE and why does my child go to both?
In APE we typically work with a small group of students and work on the individual skills your child may need in PE. In PE they may work on individual skills but focus more on whole group games. Most students attend both so they can get more practice with the individual skills and work on their social skills and skill generalization.
What are the responsibilities of the APE Teacher?
- Complete comprehensive motor assessments of individuals with disabilities and making specific program recommendations
- Provide direct services to students who are eligible and in need of APE
- Consult with physical education staff providing physical education instruction for individuals with disabilities
- Consult with other IEP team members about student need in the area of APE
- Serve as an IEP member at IEP meetings
- Monitor student progress
Is APE a instructional service or a related service?
The APE teacher is an instructional service provider, not a related service provider, because physical education for children with disabilities is a federally mandated component of special education services [U.S.C.A. 1402 (25)]. This means that physical education needs to be provided to the student with a disability as part of the special education services that child and family receive. This is contrasted with physical therapy and occupational therapy, which are related services. These therapies are provided to the child with disabilities only if he/she needs them to benefit from instruction.
What is the service model for APE services?
Adapted Physical Education is delivered on a service continuum, with service in the least restrictive environment as a priority.
The service continuum can be as follows:
- GPE: Student attends general physical education with peers. (No APE services are necessary for student success in this setting.)
- GPE with APE consult: APE consults with staff to monitor student progress and to address GPE concerns regarding possible curriculum/activity modifications.
- APE direct service in GPE: Student attends GPE with direct assistance from APE. Student participates within his/her ability.
- APE: Student participates in APE in a self-contained setting with students of similar ability.
