Addressing Personnel Preparation Needs to Meet the Challenges of the Future
Development of personnel preparation programs has focused upon a progressive trend away from a strict adherence to a physical education philosophy to a philosophy that stresses more of a multidisciplinary approach. Early obstacles experienced by directors of personnel preparation programs included legislation, program development, and a limited body of knowledge. Future considerations include directors with varied educational backgrounds and a national movement toward quality education. Teacher training programs will need to redefine their curriculum offerings in adapted physical education to address quality assurance requirements. Future programs in adapted physical education will need to become more field based and address functional competencies that will prepare students to meet the psychomotor needs of handicapped children effectively.