The expertise of special educators can aid in providing justice for criminal defendants with mental retardation in such areas as identification of mental retardation, evaluations and habilitation concerning competence to stand trial or enter plea agreements, and provision of services to defendants in corrections programs. (Author/DB)

Discussion of the importance of induction and support programs for new special education teachers notes the substantial additional demands placed on new special educators in addition to the frustrations and stresses that all new teachers experience. The article notes the high numbers who leave teaching after the first year and identifies national,…

Suggestions are presented to help special education teachers develop effective techniques for supervising paraprofessionals. Practices which can be used to make the supervision process more systematic and effective include: orientation to the classroom, and gradual introduction of duties; paraprofessional skill development; use of detailed lesson…

This handbook, prepared by the Barrier Resolution Project in the state of Washington, includes specific instructions, materials, and checklists of equipment necessary for an outside facilitator to assist in the development of cooperative problem solving and planning related to special education. After introductory material including "keys to…

The handbook, intended for use as a guide for special education teachers, presents an overview of language arts and communication skills. Instructional considerations and teaching ideas (objectives and activities) are presented for three major types of skills: (1) receptive language arts (listening skills, reading, phonics, sight vocabulary,…

Lists and discusses 12 components of special education programs that principals and special education teachers can incorporate in new programs, can review in existing programs, and can use as a basis for developing goals for teacher evaluations. (PGD)

The article offers guidelines to special educators designed to improve consultation skills, specifically in observing the referral settings, clarifying roles, establishing referent power, maintaining positive expectations, and planning and monitoring the intervention program. (CL)

Addresses specific mainstreaming methods for each category of disability, including issues of instruction, accessibility, attitudes, and support services. (SK)

The article briefly reviews the literature comparing group and individualized instruction and suggests ways special teachers who work on an individual basis with mild to moderately handicapped students can promote transference of independent work habits to the larger classroom situation. (DB)

The article discusses the roles of music education and music therapy in special education, specifically with reference to the concept of the individualized education program (IEP) as mandated by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142). Journal availability: National Association for Music Therapy, Inc., P.O. Box 610, Lawrence,…

Discusses the stress that special education teachers may feel by role overload and lack of autonomy. Stress relieving strategies are described, including setting realistic expectations, making distinctions between the job and personal life, increasing autonomy, looking for alternative sources of reinforcement, increasing efficacy, and developing…

Resource teachers are offered six suggestions to increase the utilization of their consultation services by regular teachers. Suggestions include being a good listener, offering alternative suggestions, planning a follow-up meeting, encouraging informal contacts, and sharing information. (DB)

Suggestions are presented to increase the special education teacher's organizational efficiency, focusing on instructional planning and use of time and space as they relate to classroom organization. (JDD)

Career Incentive Plan coordinators, principals, regular class teachers, and special education teachers in Alabama were surveyed concerning the perceived importance of 23 characteristics of effective teachers. Significant differences were found among the groups in the areas of delivery, management, rapport, and planning. (Author/JDD)

Special education teachers are urged to examine their understanding of principles of science instruction and the development of basic science literacy in students. Basic scientific thinking skills are compared to basic reading skills. Suggestions are offered to the special educator who either teaches science directly or who works with a regular…