Compares survey responses of rural special education administrators and teachers in Alaska and compares results with previous national studies. Finds issues identified by administrators and teachers differ from those of national studies. Recommends that models designed for one rural environment not be generalized without considering uniqueness of…

A survey of 904 special education teachers determined the nature and extent of parent-teacher interactions, by gathering data on number of parent contacts, time spent, communication format (written, telephone, or personal visit), nature of parent contacts in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) development, teachers' roles during IEP meetings, and…

This is the first book to present a practical, problem-solving approach and hands-on tools and techniques for assessing English-language learners and culturally diverse students in K-12 settings. It meets a crucial need among practitioners and special educators working in today's schools. Provided are research-based, step-by-step procedures for…

This book discusses special education for students with disabilities and the role of the principal in meeting the needs of students with disabilities. An introductory chapter lists strategies to assist principals in improving the working conditions of special education teachers, how a principal can be the chief advocate for the special education…

This fact sheet summarizes promising secondary education practices that special educators can employ to help improve the post-school outcomes of students with exceptional learning needs. These practices are organized into the following five categories: student-focused planning, student development, interagency collaboration, family involvement,…

This article discusses the itinerant model and suggests ways that itinerant teachers might apply best practices in pre-academic instruction to their work within community settings, including: making environmental adaptations to maximize engagement; improving the social environment; and applying naturalistic strategies to embed specifically…

Five special education student teachers and their cooperating teachers maintained weekly journals reflecting upon successive, prescribed themes. The journal entries of both students and teachers confirmed that a practicum situation provides an opportunity for critical reflection, enhancing the student teaching experience as a shared occasion for…

Teachers working with students having emotional and/or behavioral disorders may have special problems maintaining their mental health and positive psychological outlook. This article offers 10 cognitions, or ways in which teachers can choose to think, which will likely result in more positive feelings and increased effectiveness with students. (DB)

Evaluation of a metacognitive model designed to promote cooperative instruction among 10 regular education and 10 special education preservice teachers found slight changes in attitudes and perceptions. The model included opportunities for cooperative prelesson planning and postlesson evaluations by prospective teachers, and actual delivery of…

This brief paper outlines a suggested format for incorporating multimedia presentations into teaching preparation courses in special education. It notes that novices and intermediate users can get started using multimedia presentations with minimal office computer equipment. Specific hypermedia and presentation software programs are identified.…

This guide describes a teacher mentor program for special education teachers in the Saint Tammany Parish Public School System, Louisiana. The Special Education Mentor Program provides peer support and professional development opportunities for new special education teachers. The program is intended to give immediate as well as long-term support to…

This report on regular and special education teachers in public schools presents data on personal characteristics (gender, age, race/ethnicity, and marital status); professional characteristics (educational background, years of experience, certification); geographic region; income (salary and incentives, nonschool employment); and opinions about…

This paper presents specific strategies to assist collaborative consultation efforts by educators of students with disabilities. First, a definition of collaborative consultation is offered and advantages of this approach identified. Next, essential skills and strategies to gain acceptance and establish credibility in collaborative situations are…

This guide assists in planning, designing, and implementing activities that increase people's awareness of careers in special education. It encourages practicing special education professionals to promote special education careers at the local level. The guide provides strategies for organizing recruitment efforts. Tips for getting started include…

This paper describes the application of peer teaching to the training of prospective special education teachers. This approach emphasizes practicing the teaching act in a safe environment, i.e., one in which young learners are not at risk and in which the prospective teacher can receive feedback from peers and the instructor without fear of being…