title: Perceptions of Adapted Physical Education Graduates From Selected Universities on Attainment of Doctoral Competencies.
abstract: Graduates from four adapted physical education doctoral programs (1980-1999) within the United States were surveyed to determine their perceptions on the extent to which they attained published competencies in the areas of research and adapted physical education. A survey was mailed to 109 doctoral program graduates. A total of 99 surveys (91%) were usable for data analysis. Competency data were analyzed separately across two 10-year time periods (1980-1989; 1990-1999). Respondents' perceptions improved significantly in cumulative research competency scores from the first to the second time period. Responses for adapted physical education competencies were similar across both time periods. Follow-up analyses on responses for each of the separate 18 research and 20 adapted physical education competency statements resulted in significant improvement from 1980-1989 to 1990-1999 for eight research competencies and one adapted physical education competency. Results have implications for the future of adapted physical education doctoral training in the United States and beyond.
authors.affiliation: 1 Ohio State University.
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Porretta
authors.affiliation: 2 Indiana University.
authors.forename: Paul R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Surburg
authors.affiliation: 3 Ohio State University.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jansma