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East High students learn to adapt PE for classmates with disabilities
Denver Public Schools is testing a year-long Peer-to-Peer PE class at East High School, pairing students with and without disabilities in activities designed by the students themselves. Program leaders hope to bring the pilot to more schools next year.
At East High School, Denver Public Schools is piloting a gym class where students with and without disabilities take part together—and help shape how activities work for everyone.
The year-long Peer-to-Peer PE course brings in honors students and athletes to learn how to lead an inclusive class. Students develop skills, drills and lessons, adapting activities for classmates with different needs, said Meghan Ireland, the physical education teacher who runs the course.
“The kids are the ones that are, you know, trying to form and adapt everything to work for the entire class,” Ireland said.
CarolAnn Skeats, who created the program, said some past participants have gone on to study education, special education, physical therapy and occupational therapy. She said she hopes the class helps students build confidence in adapting activities and learning through both setbacks and successes.
Fifteen-year-old Dodge communicated in sign language that the class is his favorite. East senior Ryan Vanskoit said it gives students a chance to form relationships with peers with disabilities who might otherwise have fewer opportunities for those connections.
Jakole Martin, a 12th-grade athlete in the class, said he learned to be encouraged by other people.
The district plans to pilot the program at more schools next year. Skeats said she hopes it becomes a lasting part of DPS, calling it her proudest accomplishment there.