Validating the Competency Test for Adapted Physical Education: Advancing Reliable Assessment in Adapted PE

Accurate and consistent assessment is essential for determining eligibility for adapted physical education (APE) services and for guiding effective instruction. This presentation focuses on the validation process of the Competency Testing for Adapted Physical Education (CTAPE) assessment, a tool designed to measure the fundamental motor and physical fitness skills of students with and without disabilities. Validation efforts included expert review, pilot testing, and analysis of psychometric properties to ensure reliability, fairness, and applicability across diverse school contexts. This presentation will discuss how APE teachers can assist with the ongoing CTAPE validation process. Given the growing demand for standardized, evidence-based tools in the field, this work underscores the importance of teacher engagement in refining CTAPE for both current and future versions. Findings will provide a foundation for improving assessment practices, supporting individualized education program (IEP) decision-making, and advancing equity in physical education for students with disabilities.