In teacher education settings, the extent of collaboration is far less evident than in K-12 education. There is some evidence that suggests, however, that this may be changing. Teaming among higher education faculty has been identified as one way to provide teachers with greater exposure to diverse fields of knowledge and practice, as well as to…

Discusses the barriers that impede special education teachers from adopting research findings in the field of special education. The lack of communication between educators and researchers, the need to teach teachers how to evaluate research using scientific criteria, and teacher resistance to change are discussed. (CR)

A survey of 28 National Network for Educational Renewal (NNER) colleges found there was a small core of faculty (21%) who were highly committed to the NNER precept of parity for special education faculty and there was less commitment at the secondary level, particularly for integrated teacher training. (Contains references.) (CR)

This position statement explains the life skills instruction approach, considers why life skills instruction is important for students with disabilities, recommends that such instruction be given in the least restrictive environment (preferably the community), and delineates the responsibilities of general educators and special educators. (DB)

Supportive learning activities were implemented in a multiple-baseline time series design across four fifth-grade classrooms to evaluate the effects of a cooperative teaching alternative (supportive learning) on teaching behavior, the behavior and grades of general and special education students, and the opinions of general education teachers.…

Describes the beliefs, knowledge, and classroom practices of a successful bilingual special educator, noting factors that shaped her teaching, including her own experiences as a second-language learner. Notes the teacher's emphasis on interactive teaching that weaves students' first language and culture with direct instruction, practice, and…

Two preservice teachers working with middle school students with severe disabilities participated in this study of the acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of skills relating to use of positive consequences and instructional prompts. Results indicated that immediate feedback was more effective than delayed feedback, skills were maintained…

This study found that 246 regular and 42 special education high school teachers had dissimilar views of their ability to provide learning-disabled students with competencies considered important for college entry by 82 college faculty. Special educators and college faculty were quite similar in perception of students' needs. (Author/JDD)

A graduate course at the University of New Hampshire is intended to help special educators of young children to develop communication and collaboration skills. Program evaluation has indicated that attitudes of professionals and their interactions with parents were changed in the direction of greater empathy, increased respect, and more…

This article describes a three-year project of the Council for Exceptional Children to provide continuing education for special and regular teachers, other professionals, and parents concerning attention deficit disorder (ADD). The project is developing four training modules which address (1) characteristics and identification; (2) model school…

Describes ways that students with special needs are being included in regular classrooms through technology. Highlights include school-to-work programs; student electronic journals; adaptive technology; science activities using computer simulations; a reverse inclusion model; mainstreaming; and programs with senior citizens. (LRW)

A national survey of 502 general education teachers found that teachers perceived communication problems among teachers and parents as a serious impediment to the effective use of homework with mainstreamed students with learning disabilities. Problems included frequency and quality of communication with parents, role of the special education…

Describes how cross-over training and a whole-school approach help preschool educators assist disabled students who have not yet acquired their native language, examining New York's English-as-a Second-Language/Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Training Program for Pre-K Special Education Personnel, which trains preschool personnel to meet…

A study involving 40 experts in teaching literacy skills to students with low vision identified the levels of direct and consultative instructional services needed for teaching literacy skills to such students. Findings support the need to provide consistent, direct instruction in almost all areas of literacy and literacy-related skills. (Contains…

Creating partnership between special educators and parents who are Mexican American often poses unique challenges for all involved. Historically, the fact that these parents may not share mainstream values, traditions, and customs has often been perceived by special education teachers as part of the problem and not as valuable new sources of…