After viewing videotaped vignettes of classroom situations, 155 teachers rated severity, tolerance, manageability, and contagion factors related to a target child. Ratings indicated significant multivariate differences between regular/special education teachers and disruptive/nondisruptive behaviors, with regular educators being less tolerant and…

Ways special education teachers can cope with stress and obtain and provide social support to each other are discussed. A table lists 85 informal methods of teacher recognition provided by administrators. Six aspects of establishing and maintaining a professional support group are also offered. (DB)

A 1980 study of special education teachers' reports on the availability and usefulness of several types of assessment information for emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered students was replicated and results compared. Overall progress was found, with notable increases in availability for types that teachers consider educationally relevant,…

A review of existing special education training models is presented along with a rationale for preservice training in the transdisciplinary team process. The transdisciplinary process is described, and recommendations for implementation of a transdisciplinary training program in special education teacher preparation are given. (Author/JDD)

Advocates humane education as a natural for special education students, most of whom show exceptional abilities and interest in relating to animals. Several programs are described including: learning working skills, reverse mainstreaming, and writing skill development. Teachers report many side benefits and success with a wide range of grade…

Discusses uses of tape recorder as an accommodative technique for mainstreamed learning disabled students in content-area classes to address some problems encountered by regular classroom teachers. Four major types of use discussed are taping lectures, textbooks and other reading assignments, and paraphrased material, and preparing lecture…

A portable learning center with places to display changing materials and task cards has been used to model instructional methods for teachers of gifted students. The approach, used with discussion, lecture, simulation, and individualization of instruction, helps inservice and preservice teachers understand development of self-direction. (CL)

A format developed at the University of Illinois is presented, to facilitate joint planning (by vocational teachers and special education teachers) of lessons that will be successful with special-needs students in regular vocational education classrooms. (AJ)

Personnel and organizational management approaches are suggested for dealing with teacher burnout in special education. (CL)

A study of homework strategies with regular and special education elementary school teachers led to guidelines concerning development of innovative homework assignments, use of a homework planner, teaching of study skills, and ways of involving parents and encouraging peer support. (DB)

The article describes a facilitative teacher style of interaction in the special education classroom. The facilitative style, in which students are encouraged to develop control of their own learning, is contrasted with the directive style, in which the teacher maintains control of all classroom interactions. (DB)

A special education teacher's sense of teaching efficacy and personal teaching efficacy influences teacher motivation and effort, teacher-student interactions, and student achievement. Methods for enhancing teachers' sense of efficacy are suggested. (JDD)

Professional roles in early childhood special education (ECSE) are expanding beyond traditional frameworks of direct service, to include consultation services, program planning and evaluating, and marketing. Potential dangers of role conflict and role overload are noted. (Author/DB)

This article introduces the papers in this theme issue on special education teachers' use of strategies. The article notes competencies that teachers need to master to become effective teachers of strategies, such as creating strategic environments and embracing a philosophy that facilitates independence in students. (JDD)

This memorandum from the President of the Council for Exceptional Children urges teachers to be more vocal about successes in improving educational outcomes for children with exceptionalities and comments that special educators must assume leadership positions to shape the future of the profession. (JDD)