Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization

The Adapted Physical Education program uses research-based practices to prepare teachers to design and implement physical education programs that promote healthy and active lifestyles for children and youth with disabilities.

This program includes coursework and extensive fieldwork (180 hours) to prepare candidates to teach physical education to individuals with disabilities in public schools and community settings. Candidates develop teaching competencies in motor development, aquatics, game and sports skills, and physical activity/fitness.

Program Admission

Candidates can complete the Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (APEAA) as a credential program candidate or as part of the master’s degree in Kinesiology. The APEAA is not a stand-alone teaching authorization and must be attached to a teaching credential. Candidates can add the APEAA to a basic teaching credential; a multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist credential.

Department of Kinesiology & Recreation Administration
Kinesiology & Athletics 305
707-826-4536

Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (APEAA)
Program Leader
Chris Hopper, Ph.D.

Requirements for the Program

All students receiving the Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization must:

successfully complete the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST)
complete a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved subject matter program in Physical Education Teaching or pass the CSET Physical Education exam authorizing the teaching of physical education.
successfully complete a basic credential program and receive a teaching credential from CCTC

Required Courses (24 Units)

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or better in the following required courses.

REC 302 - Inclusive Recreation Units: 3
KINS 385 - Adapted Physical Activity Units: 3
KINS 475 - Elementary School Physical Education Units: 3
KINS 484 - Motor Development/Motor Learning Units: 3
KINS 535 - Assessment Techniques Units: 2
KINS 577 - Adapted Physical Education Programs Units: 4
KINS 578 - Adapted Aquatics for Instructors Units: 2
KINS 695 - Directed Field Experience Units: 1-6 (complete a total of 4 units)

Adapted Physical Education Program Learning Outcomes

Develop physical education programs for individuals with disabilities
Use assessment tools to help design physical education programs.
Develop consultation and collaboration skills to serve on interdisciplinary teams.
Use evidence-based practices in teaching physical education/activity to children and youth with a variety of disabling conditions.

Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Return to: Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct