Rural implications of a needs assessment of physical educators with mainstreamed disabled students: A case study in Colorado

Abstract

Results of a physical education needs assessment survey in the state of Colorado were compiled to determine comparative needs of rural and non-rural teachers and programs. Five hundred and eighty teachers were surveyed, 87 of whom served in rural areas. Physical educators in rural areas had the least number of disabled students in regular classrooms, yet were the most involved teachers in the placement process. Rural physical educators were the most likely to share their financial resources with programs for the disabled, but had the smallest budgets from which to draw funds. They also did the best overall job of partici-pating in the IEP process, yet seemed least trained in assessment and evaluation.

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