The research on cooperative learning techniques in K-12 classrooms and collaborative learning at the college level is integrated, and suggestions are offered for ways in which collaborative learning can be put into operation at the college or university level, especially in special education courses. (Author/DB)

Ten tips are provided to help teachers of gifted students cope with the unique stressors that they face. Tips include making parents allies, putting grades in perspective, and setting realistic goals. Activities are presented for use as introductory "ice-breakers" or concluding activities for workshops for teachers and parents of gifted students.…

The role of the itinerant teacher in working with students with hearing impairments is described. Practical guidelines are offered for coping with professional challenges, scheduling time with students, working harmoniously with general education teachers, organizing materials and space, and dealing with the requirements of travel among schools.…

Issues in the disclosure of special education student records and invasion of privacy are discussed. The article reviews what information teachers must disclose and may disclose, what information must be safeguarded, who has access to confidential information, what record of access must be maintained, and what information is not subject to…

This article reviews the history of traditional service delivery systems for students with visual handicaps, demonstrates the need for change, and defines and describes the structure of the consultative/collaborative teacher model. The model stresses shared communication and joint problem solving between teachers and vision specialists. (DB)

This article offers basic suggestions for the regular classroom teacher whose class includes students with disabilities. It covers attitudes and beliefs, services and physical accommodations, school support, collaboration, instructional methods, a sample scenario illustrating collaboration, and a list of suggested resources. An annotated…

A survey about teacher supervision and its perceived relationship to beneficial outcomes was completed by 580 Maine resource room teachers. Most reported little or no supervision, but what supervision was received was generally regarded as beneficial, although it often did not pertain to teaching practices. (Author/PB)

Results of a survey of 49 state directors of special education are reported in terms of degree to which secondary learning-disabled (LD) students receive content area coursework from special educators; the pattern and projected growth in such models; and the perceived adequacy of secondary LD teacher training programs for providing content…

Questions and answers address: (1) connections between access of students with disabilities to the general curriculum and Universal design for Learning; (2) the changing role of the special educator; (3) differences between assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning; and (4) guidelines for increasing curricular accessibility. (DB)

Preparing educators to teach in inclusive classrooms is a critical first step in ensuring that all students in P-12 programs receive exemplary educational services. The need to restructure personnel preparation in response to the increasing diversity and inclusiveness of public school classrooms has evolved from discussion and debate more than a…

This study examined the teacher personnel needs of special education programs in Alabama utilizing data from a survey of the 130 local education agencies and the annual child count of students enrolled in special education classes. Data are presented in narrative and tabular form and address, first, personnel shortages and deficiencies according…

The teacher consultant's role in working with regular classroom teachers of students with mild to moderate learning or behavior problems is examined. The three-party interaction network in consultation is discussed along with five models of consultation: the expert model, the medical model, the mental health model, the collaboration model, and the…

The document is part of the final report on Project STEEL (Special Teacher Education and Evaluation Laboratory) intended to extend the utilization of technology in the training of preservice special education teachers. This volume focuses on the second of four project objectives, the development of a special education teacher computer literacy…

Two groups of early childhood special educators (N=325) were surveyed with regard to perceived levels of stress in relation to 25 selected environmental characteristics and events. Highest stress levels were associated with salary and benefits, time management, family support, multiple responsibilities, interagency support, and attitudes toward…

Describes the successful team-teaching model used to combat learning disabilities in Iowa City (Iowa) secondary schools. Regular and special education teachers work together with selected students in traditional classroom settings. The model promotes improvements in students' self-concepts, absence rates, and academic achievement, as well as in…