Behavior Support in Physical Education
Behavior science for the gym
Most behavior problems in PE are teachable moments in disguise.
Learn the tools behavior analysts use, applied to motor skills and to a loud, open gym: task analysis, prompting and fading, reinforcement, visual supports and simple data. Ready to use with any student, any disability.
At a glance
What’s included
6
hours, self-paced
6
lessons with video and case study
5
printable tools for the gym
80%
quiz to pass each lesson
The problem
The gym is the hardest place to manage behavior.
Open space, noise, waiting, competition and losing. For many students with disabilities, PE is where problems start. Most PE teachers were never taught why behavior happens or what to do about it.
01
Running off
Open spaces make it easy to leave the activity, or the gym.
02
Meltdowns
Losing a game or waiting a turn can end the class for everyone.
03
Too much help
Adults do the skill for the student, so the student never learns it.
04
No data
Nobody can show whether the plan is working.
What you will learn
6 lessons, from the skill to the data
Each lesson has a short video, a deep dive, a real school case study and a quiz.
Task analysis of motor skills
Break any skill (a throw, a jump, a dribble) into steps you can teach and measure.
The prompting hierarchy and fading
From full physical help to independence: where to start and when to step back.
Reinforcement and token systems
What to reinforce, how often, and how to fade it as the skill grows.
Visual schedules and first-then boards
Make PE predictable so students know what comes next.
Why behavior happens in PE
The four functions of behavior and how to read them during class.
Simple data sheets for the gym
Trials, prompt level and % independent, in under a minute per student.
What you take away
Tools you use the next day
Task analysis template
For any motor skill.
Prompting and fading guide
Start level and fading rule on one page.
Token board and first-then board
Printable and ready for class.
Behavior function checklist
Spot why a behavior happens.
Gym data sheet
Track progress you can show the IEP team.
Who it is for
For everyone who supports students in PE
General and adapted PE teachers
with students with IEPs in class.
Paraprofessionals
who support students during PE.
RBTs and BCBAs
who work in schools and want PE-ready strategies.
Special education teachers
who plan with the PE team.
Want the full picture?
Part of the Adapted PE & Behavior Professional Development Certificate
This short course is Module 3, “Behavior Science in the Gym”, of the 68-hour certificate, which also covers all 14 US disability categories, lesson design, assessment and adapted sport.
Questions
Good to know
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. You earn a BxM certificate of completion with 6 hours, to show your school, district or employer.
Does it count for continuing education?
The type of credit (for example BACB CEUs or teacher professional development hours) depends on the approvals BxM holds when the course opens. We will list it clearly before you enroll. Teacher PD hours are set by each state, so check your state’s rules.
Is it part of the full certificate?
Yes. It comes from Module 3 of the 68-hour Adapted Physical Education & Behavior Professional Development Certificate. If you continue to the full certificate later, you will not repeat these lessons.
How do I enroll?
Reserve your spot below. We will email you the enrollment details and founding-member pricing.
Enrollment
Enroll or reserve your spot
Leave your details and we will send you the enrollment information and founding-member pricing.
Founding-member price
$59 Founding price · $79 after launch
One-time payment. Nothing is charged today: reserve now and pay when enrollment opens.