Exploring the Experiences of Physical Education Teachers in Implementing Individualized Education Programs in Special Schools for Students with Developmental Disabilities

The purpose of this study is to explore the physical education teachers' experiences in special schools for students with developmental disabilities regarding the formulation and implementation of Individualized Education Plans.By doing so, the study aims to provide foundational data to strengthen teachers' competencies in IEPs and to improve the quality of physical education classes for students in special education.To achieve this objective, participant observation and in-depth interviews were conducted with seven physical education teachers from special schools for students with developmental disabilities from March to June 2023.Data collection included three participant observation sessions and one in-depth interview, with additional interviews conducted when further information was required.The data were analyzed using van Kaam's method of meaning analysis, one of the phenomenological research methods, and expert feedback was obtained from one professor specializing in adapted physical education and two special education teachers with doctoral degrees in education.The in-depth analysis of the collected data revealed three main themes, eight categories, and 22 subcategories.The three themes identified were: first, "Education within the Frame," which discussed the realities of IEP implementation; second, "Assisted Approach," which explored strategies by teachers and individual schools to activate IEPs; and third, "Leap Beyond the Frame," which addressed the role of the education authorities and institutional support in enhancing IEP effectiveness.Based on these findings, the study discusses strategies for activating IEPs in special schools for students with developmental disabilities and provides suggestions for future research.