Assessing the need for sign language in physical education in the State of Wisconsin

Abstract

The need for a of sign language package for hearing impaired and/or nonverbal populations, specific to physical educators was researched in this study. A questionnaire was developed and reviewed by a panel of experts to establish content validity. The questionnaire was revised accordingly and mailed to the State Director of Special Education and the State Supervisor of Physical Education in the state of Wisconsin, for approval. Mailing labels were obtained from Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). These labels were used to contact the regular physical educators (RPE), special physical educators (SPE), and special education classroom teachers (SEC). A total of N = 225 questionnaires were sent to randomly selected teachers within each of the three groups; RPE, SPE, and SEC. Rate of return exceeded 70% after one two week follow up reminder. Descriptive statistics of percentages and frequencies were used to report the results. Results of the study indicated a sign language package specific to physical education was needed, particularly among SPE. Sign language was needed in the professional preparation curriculum of SPE. RPE did not use sign in their physical education classes and did not indicate a need for sign in their professional preparation curriculum. Special education classroom teachers indicated a need for a sign language package, specific to physical education