This article describes a drama program developed at Reading University (Great Britain) for special education students and teachers at the secondary level, which sought to develop initiative, leadership, ability to think for oneself and adapt to change, and ability to work as a team member. (DB)

This research examined the career paths of 2,700 former special educators hired by Michigan public schools between 1972 and 1985. An estimated 34% of the former educators reentered a Michigan classroom within five years of leaving, and an estimated 58% of these stayed for more than seven years. (Author/JDD)

The value of homework for students with disabilities is examined, focusing on the relationship between the stages of learning (acquisition, proficiency, maintenance, and generalization) and the responsibilities of supervising individuals (special and regular education teachers and parents). Suggestions for effective use of homework assignments are…

A special educator recounts lessons learned from her first year of teaching, in her case in a special class of students with multiple disabilities. Lessons include analysis of early mistakes and the importance of student file review, direct student observation, utilizing the advice of experienced educators, and planning for change. (DB)

Discusses the benefits of the World Wide Web and the steps educators should take in using the Internet. Addresses the need to take precautions when letting children have access to the Internet and how to frame information and to monitor material. Practical considerations for special education teachers are highlighted. (CR)

This article considers issues associated with the role of the special educator in testifying as an expert witness in disputes over special education programs. Guidelines for such witnesses cover preparation for giving testimony, responding to the cross-examination, and ethical considerations. (DB)

Discussion of the need for diversity in the teaching force, especially in special education, focuses on Congress's efforts to address this issue. It describes the Alliance 2000 Project, a federal program created to provide technical assistance to the nation's minority colleges and universities to increase their access to personnel preparation…

This paper describes collaborative processes and strategies teachers of students with emotional/behavioral disorders can employ to plan effectively for the management of student crisis episodes. Also, legal requirements pertaining to positive behavioral support are described and individual and system responses regarding effective crisis planning…

This article discusses desired characteristics and competencies in teachers of gifted students who are culturally, ethnically, or linguistically diverse. These include: culturally relevant pedagogy, equity pedagogy, a holistic teaching philosophy, a communal philosophy, respect for students' primary language, culturally congruent instructional…

Collaborative teamwork is viewed by many as a characteristic of effective working relationships between adults who provide special education and related services in educational settings. Although a substantial body of research exists on the philosophy and practice of collaborative teamwork, the contributions of veteran team members regarding which…

This study examined educators' capabilities to identify symptoms of adolescents at risk for suicide when influenced by the adolescent's race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Participants were 882 regular and special educators in a southeastern state who completed mailed questionnaires presenting hypothetical vignettes of adolescents at risk for…

The participant guide to implementation of the Collaborative Learning Process (CLP) is presented. The CLP is designed to increase the application of content through inservice teacher training. The first section reviews the basic components of CLP, summarizes how to prepare for the first session, and how to keep CLP going. The second section…

Administrative support is critical to the professional success and self-esteem of special education teachers. This chapter provides practical strategies for administrators at both the building and central office level to use to support special education teachers. J. S. House's framework is used for considering the different types of administrative…

Recent medical and surgical advances as well as court decisions have led to special education programs serving a growing number of students with extreme medical and educational needs. Particularly close bonding between the special education teacher and student with severe disabilities can occur, as the teacher provides so many services and works…

To facilitate the least restrictive education of handicapped children required by Public Law 94-142, special educators are encouraged to cooperate with regular classroom teachers in meeting the needs of handicapped children. An outline of eight suggestions for developing communication skills and effective consultation techniques focuses on being…