Developmental Adapted Physical Education

Specialization in Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) offers Master's degree opportunities leading to Minnesota teacher licensure in DAPE (P–12). Minnesota State University, Mankato was the first institution of higher education in Minnesota to offer DAPE licensure and has licensed over half of the DAPE–licensed physical education teachers in Minnesota. In addition to pursuing DAPE licensure, students in the DAPE program take electives in the Physical Education Pedagogy and Special Education Programs.

Graduate study leading to Minnesota DAPE licensure first requires student to have earned an undergraduate teaching degree and current teaching license in K–12 physical education.

Descriptions of courses listed below are available on the Graduate Bulletins page.

A maximum of 15 hours of DAPE licensure courses can count toward MA degree because over 50% of coursework must be 600–level (not counting thesis or alternate-plan paper options). If student already has DAPE licensure, DAPE coursework will consist of 600–level courses in Physical Education Pedagogy (Online) and Special Education.

Required Core for Teacher Licensure in DAPE (minimum 18–19 credits)

• HP 511 – Developmental Adapted Physical Education (3)
  (Students should take this course first — within the past 5 years)
• HP 512 – Assessment in Adapted Physical Education (2)
• HP 513 – Lifespan Motor Development (2)
• HP 521 – Teaching Sport to Individuals with Disabilities (2)
• HP 522 – Teaching Adapted Aquatics (2)
• HP 545 – Teaching Students with Cognitive and Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (3)
• HP 571 – Consulting Techniques in Developmental Adapted Physical Education (3)
  (prerequisites: HP 511, HP 512, and HP 545)
• HP 698 – Internship in Developmental Adapted Physical Education (1–2)
  (prerequisites: HP 511 and HP 545)
• SPED 605 – Introduction to the Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children and Youth (3)

To receive DAPE Teacher Licensure, student must pass Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exam (MTLE) in Special Education: Core Skills.

Required Human Performance Core Courses (6 credits)

• HP 610 – Statistical Methods in Physical Education (3) or substitution: KSP  675 – Using Data to Improve Student Learning (3)
• HP 630 – Techniques of Research (3) or substitution: KSP 609 – Research Methods (3)

Required Capstone Experience – Choose One

• HP 694 – Alternate Plan Paper (1–2)
• HP 696 – Manuscript (1-4)
• HP 699 – Thesis (1–4)
• HP 698 – Internship in DAPE (2)

 Total Number of Credits by Capstone Option  

• HP 694 – Alternate Plan Paper – 34 credits
• HP 696 – Manuscript – 33–34 credits
• HP 699 – Thesis – 30 - 31 credits
• HP 698 – Internship in DAPE – 34 credits

Recommended Electives in Physical Education Pedagogy (PEP)—Online

• HP 612 – Inclusive Physical Education
• HP 620 – Typical and Atypical Motor Development Across the Lifespan
• HP 623 – Current Issues in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education
• HP 658 – Authentic Assessment in Physical Education
• HP 668 – Applications in Physical Education

Developmental and adapted physical education concepts are infused in the PEP curriculum.

For further information, contact:

Dr. Sherry Folsom–Meek, Coordinator.