Will AI replace Adapted Physical Education Specialists?

AI can do 22% of the work Adapted Physical Education Specialists do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 1 of their 20 tasks, while 5 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 1 physical task. 13 still need a person.

AI is already doing this1 · 3% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Write reports to summarize student performance, social growth, or physical development.Mostly automated3% of time

AI could do this next5 · 19% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Write or modify individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with intellectual or physical disabilities.5% of time
  • Prepare lesson plans in accordance with individualized education plans (IEPs) and the functional abilities or needs of students.5% of time
  • Maintain thorough student records to document attendance, participation, or progress, ensuring confidentiality of all records.4% of time
  • Communicate behavioral observations and student progress reports to students, parents, teachers, or administrators.4% of time
  • Review adapted physical education programs or practices to ensure compliance with government or other regulations.1% of time

Robots can technically do this1 · 1% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Maintain inventory of instructional equipment, materials, or aids.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person13 · 77% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Instruct students, using adapted physical education techniques, to improve physical fitness, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, or sports and game achievement.17% of time
  • Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.13% of time
  • Provide adapted physical education services to students with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, or other disabling condition.8% of time
  • Adapt instructional techniques to the age and skill levels of students.6% of time
  • Provide students positive feedback to encourage them and help them develop an appreciation for physical education.5% of time
  • Establish and maintain standards of behavior to create safe, orderly, and effective environments for learning.5% of time
  • Assess students' physical progress or needs.5% of time
  • Collaborate with other educational personnel to provide inclusive activities or programs for children with disabilities.5% of time
  • Evaluate the motor needs of individual students to determine their need for adapted physical education services.4% of time
  • Attend in-service training, workshops, or meetings to keep abreast of current practices or trends in adapted physical education.3% of time
  • Assist in screening or placement of students in adapted physical education programs.3% of time
  • Advise education professionals of students' physical abilities or disabilities and the accommodations required to enhance their school performance.3% of time
  • Request or order physical education equipment, following standard procedures.1% of time

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What this means

AI can speed up parts of this job, mostly the paperwork and information work around it. The core still depends on hands, presence or relationships.

What to do next

  • Do the 1 task AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 5 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 1 physical task robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 13 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Special Education Teachers, Preschool45%Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten45%Special Education Teachers, Elementary School47%Special Education Teachers, Middle School56%Special Education Teachers, Secondary School53%Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education45%

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