Denver Pilot: Gym Class for All Abilities

Denver Public Schools has launched a pilot program called Peer-to-Peer PE, a unique gym class designed to bring together students with and without disabilities. This inclusive environment encourages all students to participate, play, and learn together.

The year-long course at East High School focuses on developing leadership skills among honors students and athletes as they adapt and create activities for their peers. The program's creator, CarolAnn Skeats, notes that many participants have pursued careers in education or therapy due to their experience.

Students involved have expressed positive feedback, highlighting the development of relationships and understanding between individuals with diverse abilities. The success of this pilot program has led to plans for expanding it to more schools in the upcoming year, with the hope of making it a lasting part of the district's offerings.